Independent reading

Independent reading is a term used in educational settings, where students are involved in choosing and reading material (fiction books, non-fiction, magazine, other media) for their independent consumption and enjoyment. People choose to read independently. It gives student the right to be creative in what they want to read. Usually Independent Reading is conducted alongside the ongoing curriculum in the classroom. Independent Reading can be tied to assessment and evaluation or remain as an activity in itself. .

More Names for Independent Reading

• SSR: Sustained Silent Reading
• DEAR: Drop Everything And Read
• Voluntary Reading

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Some of the Aims of Independent Reading

Students will

• Read more willingly and more often.
• Become more interested in the printed word in general, including their own writing.
• Become more receptive to enrichment activities related to their reading.
• Discover that they can think and write in a meaningful way about their reading.
• Learn that literature can enrich their lives.
• Expand their vocabulary.
• Receive higher test scores.

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How to include Independent Reading into a Routine

• Teachers can:

   *Allot time each to independent, where student will choose a book and read for that amount of time.
   *Set a number of pages that students have to read by the end of a specific timeframe.
   *Have a book report due and the student have to choose and read a book of their choice and explain it to the class.

• Parents can:

   *Set a certain amount of time that their child has to read.
   *Have their children read them books of their choice.

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See also

• Literature Circles
• Shared Reading
• Guided Reading
• Silent Reading

References

2. Sebranek, P., Kemper, D., Meyer, V., Van Rys, J., Barnhart, D. & Bachman, L. (1996). School to work: Teacher's guide to the handbook. Wilmington, MA: Houghton Mifflin Co.
4. [Cullinan, Bernice. “Independent Reading and School Achievement.” American Association of School Librarians. http://www.ala.org/aasl/aaslpubsandjournals/slmrb/slmrcontents/volume32000/independent]