Independent+Reading

=**Getting Started with Independent Reading**=

There are as many ways to implement Independent Reading as there are styles of teaching. Ultimately, you must decide what works best for both you and your students. Whatever road you take, your final destination is a place where all students are reading and responding authentically to books of their own choosing. It is a time set aside during the day for real practice of comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary skills and application of the critical thinking skills of analysis, evaluation, and synthesis.

==** The key to success is getting to know your students as readers. **==

[|Easing into Assessments During the First Six Weeks of School] provides some concrete ideas for learning about your students. Use the first six weeks of Independent Reading to meet your students as readers through observation and open written responses.