Independent Reading

In our classroom, we have been learning how to read new books all by ourselves! These are books that we have not seen before and that we need to use our detective skills on.

When trying a new book, we always follow these steps:

1) Look for star words
2) Look at the pictures to give us a clue
3) Look at the first letter of the new word
4) Point under each word when reading

 

Students are at many different points in their reading journey. Here is a sample of some of the books we have been reading together in class.

In this level of text, students are able to recognize the star words “Dad” and “is”. They use the picture as a clue to help them finish the sentence. Many students also recognize that the new word starts with “C”, therefore “cooking” makes sense.

Some students will read this page as “Dad is baking”. The student read the star words, it sounds correct and it matches the picture. These students are still learning how to look at the first letter and make a connection.

Students who can read this type of text independently will receive a “2” for reading on their report card!

 

This level of text contains more star words in random order. This really challenges the students to read each word slowly so that they can read each word correctly.

Students who can read this type of text independently will receive a “3” for reading on their report card!

The level of text allows the students to try reading unfamiliar words by using a variety of strategies. Students look for chunks in words (ing, ch, etc.), think about what makes sense and sound out simple words.  

Students who can read this type of text independently will receive a “4” for reading on their report card!

If you would like to try some books at home, you can visit http://www.hubbardscupboard.org/sight_words.html#ABCorder. This website provides printable booklets that are similar to the leveled texts we read at school and have read over the weekend in our poem books. I can also send some leveled texts home with your child as well.

The most important thing is that your child is having fun reading! If the text is too challenging, that is okay – they will get there! Starting with easy, predictable text will help your child build self-confidence and an enjoyment of reading. Students feel really successful when they can read books all by themselves! I often remind them that when they came to Kindergarten, some of them didn’t know any letters or letter sounds and now they know them all and are reading independently!

We also discuss why it is important to practice reading SO much. We know that it is so we can become better readers! We talk about how reading is SO important. We read street and store signs, magazines, fliers, books, and instructions among many other things. It is important to establish a purpose for reading!

I am so proud of the students reading abilities and all of their hard work!