Hello all! I'm very new to blogging but I think I'll be able to figure it all out sometime before the end of the class.
I'm so excited to hear how every one's research turns out. There are so many interesting questions to concider!
I had trouble narrowing mine down but here it is: What happens when different methods are used to hold students accountable during independent reading?
What I would like to do is find several methods that motivate the students to read while still giving them space to enjoy the reading. I have tried the written responses to individual books, keeping track of the strategies they use and writing friendly letters to me about their reading. These methods all seem to have some level of success, however, I am wondering if there might be a method that is more motivating to the student. The methods I am most interested in looking at are verbal accounts such as having a discussion with me about the book after a reading block, or talking with a buddy/classmate at the end of the block.
If anyone knows of other methods I would love to hear them!
Thanks!
Abby
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3 comments:
I think this is a great question! I find it really hard to hold them accountable as well. I also think that it is hard to keep them into reading for 20 minutes at a time without the teacher there with them! As for advice, I don't really have anything that works for me. I will sometimes call a few students over during DEAR time and have them read with me for a minute, but my main goal with that is to make sure that they are not picking a book that is too hard or to easy for them. I am excited to hear what you find out!
Catie
This will be a very interesting inquiry! Have you ever tried a 'readers share' time at the end of independent writing (much like an author's chair time as a close to writing workshop)? Some of my favorite authors who advocate a workshop approach to reading talk about holding a short class meeting at the end of independent reading (ideally, you and the kids gathered on the rug or wherever you typically gather) during which kids volunteer to share a bit about what they're reading, why they like or don't like it, whether they'd recommend it to friends, etc. The meeting can end with a few kids sharing with the group what they plan to read in tomorrow's independent reading time. It can work very well as a way to build community around reading and might be fun to experiment with for your project. Let me know if you want some sources that disucss this. Best of luck!
I am excited to read how your research is going because this is also a concern in my classroom. I have been asking my colleagues and reading about different strategies, but none have offered a solution. I was considering using the bookmark timers that I saw in Really Good Stuff in order to motivate my reluctant readers. I will create a chart and have them actually compete to see who has the most minutes. Of course, I would hold them accountable for their time listed. I'm not sure if this idea is doable, but I have read so much research about the benefit of reading time and growth in comprehension I know it's important to figure out a method that encourages reading.
Another idea is to make independent reading time an enjoyable experience by creating a peaceful and relaxing setting. Have pillows for the kids to lean against, and play soft music. I have been trying this in my room and for the most part it does work. I still have several boys who aren't convinced that reading is what they should be doing, though. I hope that you uncover a technique that shows improvement in DEAR time behavior, I would love to hear about it.
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