Rationale: It is essential for children to be able to read
silently as a fluent reader. Reading silently gives the children
the ability
to gain a better understanding and comprehension of the text they are
reading. This lesson will help children better understand
the process of silent reading, as well as gain a better realization
of the importance of silent reading.
Materials: A wide variety of text for the children
to read. These range from decodable books to book varying in difficulty.
Also, I will have a decodable book, with multiple copies, for the class
to read for assessment.
Procedures:
1. The lesson will begin with an introduction of silent reading.
I will say the following, "Has anyone ever heard a mouse
before? (Wait for responses.) That is right mice are very
quiet. Some are so quiet that you cannot hear them at all.
This is
called silent. Today we are going to learn how to read silently,
or as quiet as a mouse. Silent reading also helps you to
remember what you have read after you are done reading. It also
helps you to become better readers."
2. "Has anyone ever tried to read when there is a lot of talking
in the room. (Wait for responses.) Is it easy to read in a
noisy
room? (Wait for responses.) No, it is not easy to read
in a noisy room. This is because it is hard to comprehend or
understand what you have read while others are talking. It is
also sometimes hard to understand a book if you are reading to
book out loud and so are your other classmates. That is why we
are going to learn how to read silently."
3. "Now I want you to watch me read this book to you. (Choose
a book to read to the students.) First, I am going to read
the book in a whisper. Everyone listen so you can hear me.
( Read a few pages in a whisper to the students.) Now I am
going to read only using me lips and I am not going to say the words.
Watch my lips as I read. (Read a few pages on moving
lips and not making any sound.) Did you hear any sound come from
my mouth? No you did not. Now the last step in silent
reading is to read the words and not move your lips or say a word.
Listen and watch me as I read and see if you can hear
anything. (Read a few pages silently.) Did you hear anything
or see my mouth move? No you did not. That is silent reading.
Now I would like everyone to try to read silently for a minute.
This time you can move your lips but donât let any sound out.
(Let children read for a minute.) Now I would like everyone to
read and not move their lips or let any sound come out. (Let
children try this. Help any struggling students.) Good
job!"
4. "Now that we have practiced, I would like everyone to take their
book back to their seat and silent read. Remember to not
make any sounds or let your mouth move. I will flash the lights
when you have one minute left. Make sure that you are silent
so you do not disturb anyone else." (Teacher will model silent
reading, as well as observe and see if any students are
struggling.)
5. "It was so nice and quiet in hear. You were all like
little mice. It was so easy to read in a silent room because there
were
not any distractions. Everyone did a great job silent reading.
I would like for all of you to take your books home tonight and
practice reading silently."
6. For assessment, I will have the students get in groups and
give a discussion or book talk on their book. This will help me
see if the students comprehended what they read. This will also
hopefully get the children interested in another book.
References:
Murray, Bruce. The Reading Genie Website.
.
http://www.auburn.edu/rdggenie/illum/irwingf.html
For more information email me at longlin@auburn.edu.
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