Read to Self

We have building our STAMINA!!! In reading we have been practicing reading independently. We start small (3 minutes) and add to our time everyday (some days are better than others ;-)). Throughout this process the students learn how to choose "good fit" books using the I-pick strategy: I=I look at the book, P= purpose (am I reading for fun to learn about a topic), I=interest (am I interested in this book, will I be motivated to read it?), C=comprehend (do I understand the words, what the author has to say?), K=know all the words (we use the five finger rule, if I make more than five mistakes on a page its probably too hard).

After we have chosen our "good fit" books. We are ready to start practicing read to self. The students determine the expectations for Read to Self on an I-chart and we review these expectations daily before beginning our independent reading time.

Read to self is an excellent way for the students to become better readers and thinkers. It teaches the students independence and allows them to enjoy books that they have picked. Letting the students choose what they want to read increases motivation to read. As teachers we want to encourage that love a reading. As we witness this happening with their books it makes "read to self" time a very special time for our class.  As the year progresses the students will be reading more and more and even be able to take about the stories they've read, discuss the characters and events and think about their own learning.

It's very exciting to see this growth!!!! Check out "read to self" in the pictures below.