What is Independent Reading?

Independent Reading involves children reading on their own or with partners. The teacher becomes an observer, acknowledging and responding to the child's reading.

Independent Reading uses all of the written materials found in the classroom. "Reading the room" becomes a popular activity. When "reading the room," children walk around the room with a pointer, reading everything displayed on the walls or on hanging charts. Pieces composed during interactive and shared writing can be highlighted as well as classroom-produced big books.

An important role of the teacher comes in the selection and gathering of appropriate books. Books available for Independent Reading should include all those which have been used during shared and guided reading, as well as a large selection of new books.