Tagged: independent reading

Helping Kids Rediscover the Power of Reading

In Disrupting Thinking, Kylene Beers and Robert Probst argue that educators must help students become empowered readers who read out of personal desire, not just for school work. The authors’ well supported argument uses a “Book-Head-Heart” framework, says Kevin Hodgson.

Teaching Reading to a New Generation of Students

In Who’s Doing the Work? Jan Burkins and Kim Yaris ask important questions about how literacy teachers should approach reading instruction for a new generation of students. Reviewer and former literacy coach Nancy Chodoroff has high praise for their insights.

Book Challenge Builds Passion for Reading

ELA co-teaching team Rachel Wysocki Kent & Genevieve Federick share a successful independent reading strategy they designed around a challenging group goal (read 500 books) and a teen-friendly focus question: “What does it mean to be a young person in 2015?”

Nonfiction Strategies To Engage Students

Lori G. Wilfong’s Do This–Not That take on nonfiction can guide teachers as they enhance their repertoire of strategies to help students think deeply and synthesize what they are reading. The activities and action steps make this book a keeper, says Linda Biondi.

SmartNotes for Better Independent Reading

Despite its title, “Independent Reading in the Age of the Common Core” has a narrow focus – a note-taking strategy to strengthen independent reading instruction. Reviewer Tyler McBride plans to implement several of the teacher-authors’ 25 mini-lessons.

10 Steps to Deeper Student Reading

What do your students need to succeed in close reading? Literacy consultant Nancy Boyles outlines 10 steps in this article, drawn from her recent Corwin book “Closer Reading.” She also includes five questions to consider before students get started.

How Do We Select Books Students MUST Read?

While we want students to fall in love with reading through text choices that excite them, says literacy consultant Sarah Tantillo, teachers must also address challenging skills and content and make sure students grow their background knowledge base. Tantillo shares ideas about finding the balance.

Independent Reading Can Boost Learning

Students benefit from reading independently if specific conditions are in place. In No More Independent Reading Without Support Debbie Miller and Barbara Moss share research-based strategies to enhance classroom practice and student learning.

Better Than Book Reports

Teachers will find creative alternatives to the traditional book report that tap into student interests and creative writing in Ban the Book Report: Promoting Frequent and Enthusiastic Reading, says reviewer Nicole Warchol.

How to Build Lifelong Readers

Reading Without Limits: Teaching Strategies to Build Independent Reading for Life, a practical guide to developing and sustaining lifelong readers, “almost brought me out of retirement,” says veteran middle grades teacher Beverly Maddox.