Helping Students Become Strong and Capable Readers
Reading is a participation sport! If we want children to become strong and capable readers, they must READ to become better readers. It is that plain and simple. Think about it. How would you do it if you wanted to get better at your favorite sport?
First, you would ensure that you had any needed equipment (books and reading materials). Then, you would make sure that you had many opportunities to practice (actually apply your reading skills). Just as with becoming more proficient in a sport, it is logical that the more someone practices reading, the better they become at using their skills (reading).
If you wanted to get good at your sport, you would probably also find someone good at this sport to keep you company (friends to talk about books with). Finally, you might also hire a coach (a knowledgeable reading teacher) to help you improve your abilities.
Classroom Practices May Not Align with Student Needs
Unfortunately, what seems logical is not always what happens in classrooms nationwide. This means that we are not always using what we know to create strong and capable readers in the classroom.
The research (Allington, 2013) indicates that students perceived as “low” or struggling readers in many classrooms actually spent LESS time reading than their better-performing peers. They may be given skill worksheets rather than having the time to apply the skills they are learning.
What’s that all about? The greater the need, the more it stands to reason that those with the greatest need should be doing MORE reading taking place in the classroom – not less.
Focused Practice to Create Strong and Capable Readers
According to reading professor Dr. Timothy Shanahan, “Effective practice…is purposeful, intentional, or deliberate. It doesn’t include aimless engagement in an activity. Effective practice focuses on what the student is trying to improve.”
In other words, an insightful reading teacher must identify the skills students still need to learn to become more comprehensive and successful readers.
Like the great sports coach, the effective reading teacher assesses what students already know and then designs purposeful reading experiences to help them learn the skills needed to improve their performance.
Take the time to assess how much actual reading is done in your class. Find ways to refine instruction and increase the time students spend deliberately practicing their skills on authentic text.
You Might Also Like This Article From Our Blog:
Using the Threads of Reading to Support Strong Readers
Or you might like to read one of my ASCD books on teaching reading:
The Threads of Reading: Strategies for Literacy Development
Literacy Strategies for Grades 4-12: Reinforcing the Threads of Reading
