Self-Selected Reading Books for every reader

Jane Farrall Jane Farrall Consulting

Sally Clendon Clendon Consulting

Why do we read? � Pleasure �  Information � Communication � Work � Study � Escape � Entertainment

What do we read? � Books � Facebook � Emails � Text messages � Tweets #AGOSCI2015 � Websites � News……

What do we get from reading? �  Vocabulary �  Connection �  Communication �  Mental Stimulation �  Stress Reduction �  Knowledge �  Memory Improvement �  Stronger Analytical Thinking Skills �  Improved Focus and Concentration �  Better Writing

Self-Selected Reading � Show students WHY they would want to

read…. � Help them to become automatic in skill

application � Give them practice to become more

fluent

The BIG rules � For all students:

�  It isn’t self-directed if you don’t choose it yourself

� For conventional readers: �  You can’t get good at it, if it is too difficult

Setting up for Self-Selected Reading �  20 books per student (or more) �  Rotated frequently �  Mix of fiction and non-fiction �  Include different types of books:

�  Alphabet books �  Repeated line books �  Photo based books �  Picture books �  Wordless books �  Rhyming books �  Chapter books �  Topic/theme-related books �  Custom student or classroom books �  And (most importantly) books in their areas of interest e.g.

motorbikes, make-up, animals, fairy tales

Components of Self-Selected Reading � DEAR time (Drop Everything and Read) � Teacher Read Alouds � Reader’s Chair � Book Reviews

A mix of books

DEAR Time (Drop Everything and Read)

For emergent students � Give them independent access to books � Give them the opportunity to read books

with an adult for pleasure and enjoyment � Are you doing shared reading in this

block? (Remember to use AAC and Comment, Ask, Respond)

Georgia

Georgia � Emergent reader � Georgia’s tub contains

�  Custom classroom books �  Books from Tar Heel reader on topics of

interest (such as nail polish) �  Some picture books for older readers

Custom Classroom Books � Produced during predictable chart writing � Produced by some of the other students

for Georgia � Produced by the teacher for Georgia

(check out Jess Murray on Tar Heel Reader)

Tar Heel Reader www.tarheelreader.org � Thousands of books on hundreds of topics � Generally suitable for emergent and early

conventional readers and writers � Switch accessible or direct access � Can be downloaded as PowerPoints or

ePubs

Picture Books for Older Readers � https://www.pinterest.com/janefarrall/

picture-books-for-older-readers/ � Curated by Jane and Sally J

Independent Access to Books

Independent Access to Books

Independent Access to Books

For conventional students � Books at or below their reading level � Books in their areas of interest

Make sure books are at or below their reading level � Put appropriate books in a tub or an area

for them to choose from � Use Level It or similar resource to get the

reading level of books

Sam

Sam � Early conventional reader (primer level) � Sam’s tub contains

�  Published books on topics of interest (Lego, superheroes, Pixar movies)

�  Tar Heel Reader books on topics of interest �  Some early “readers” around areas of

interest �  Some high interest favourites e.g. Dr Seuss �  Some picture books for older readers

Books in their areas of interest

Level It � www.levelitbooks.com � Available as an app as well � Provides Lexile, Guided Reading, Grade

Level Equivalent and DRA level for thousands of books

� Type in ISBN (or scan book’s barcode in app)

Bailey

Bailey �  Conventional reader (Grade 2 level) �  Bailey’s tub contains

�  Published books on topics of interest (cars, cars, cars and transport)

�  Tar Heel Reader books on topics of interest �  Some early “readers” around areas of interest �  Some picture books for older readers

�  Bailey shows a preference for simpler fiction books while focusing on silent reading, although generally he prefers non-fiction

Aim for silent reading � Once students are at a Grade 1 level (or

earlier if student has CCN) � Talk about “inner voice” � Provide a range of texts for working on

silent reading � Write simple instructions for students to

follow as a start (read this “in your head” and then do it)

Create different spaces for DEAR time

Not everyone likes beanbags…

Use a range of books and technologies in DEAR time

Digital Storybooks / Storybook Apps

Guidelines for choosing digital books:http://www.janefarrall.com/html/appsguided.html

Teacher Read Alouds

Teacher Read Alouds � Use this as a chance to expose students

to different types of books that they might choose to read later

� Don’t always have to read the whole book

�  Include read alouds in your planning

Read Alouds

Reader’s Chair & Book Reviews � Students share a book they have read

recently � Share with other students � Start discussions about what books they

enjoy (and don’t enjoy)

Reader’s Chair

Reader’s Chair

Book Reviews