Kristin Cooke

Growing Independence and Fluency

DEAR!

Drop Everything And Read

Rationale:  An important goal for all students to achieve is voluntary reading.  By this stage of reading, students will be able to read familiar words at decode words at their reading level.  This activity incorporates silent reading and gives students the opportunity to choose the book themselves.  Free reading time can be given on a daily basis to encourage silent, voluntary reading.

Materials:  One book for each student that they have chosen. Some samples are:

·        Pats Jam.  Phonics Readers Short Vowels.  Carson, CA:  Educational Insights. 
1990. 

·        Chickens! Chickens! By: Barbara Ann Porte

·        Hey Frog! By: Piet Grobler

Procedure:

1.      Today we are going to learn how to read silently during our free reading time.  Everyone will get to choose a book that they like to read.

2.      Who can tell me why we need to read silently?  First, it's fun.  Second, it helps us understand what we are reading better because we are able to concentrate more.  Third, we are able to read in many different places by reading silently.  Also, we are able to better imagine what the characters are experiencing and enjoy the book more.

3.       How many of you like to go to the library and pick out books you like to read?  Today, we are going to the library and everyone will get some time to choose a book.  Now, you may choose any book you like, but you need to remember some of the rules we use when we choose books.  You must choose a book that has you reading color dot on it (appropriate reading level) and not over 20 pages.  Make sure you have read a few pages form the book first before deciding if you like it.  Don't just rely on the pictures.  Also, after you have picked a book, you must bring it to me and let me listen to you read some of it. If you need help finding a book either Myself or the librarian will help you.

4.       Reading silently is fun.  Since we have never read silently, I first want everyone to begin reading their books in a whisper voice.  Let me hear how everyone whispers (allow the students to practice this skill while reading for a few minutes)?  Great whispers.  Now, we are going to read in an even quieter voice. I want you to only move your lips when you say the words but there should not be any sound coming out of your mouths.  We should only be moving our lips.  Let's try saying our ABC's by just moving our lips.  Very good.  Now, everyone read your book by only moving your lips (allow students to practice this skill for a few minutes).  We are now to the part where we can read silently.  When you read, I want everyone to read their books without moving their lips or making any sounds.  Everyone watch while I show you how to read silently now my mouth was moving while I was reading but no sound was coming out. I can tell you what happened on that page (show picture and tell about what I just read).  Now, everyone begin reading their books silently (you should read silently at your desk to set an example).  Allow students to read silently at their desks for about 10-15 minutes.

5.       For assessment, while the students are reading silently, walk around and observe them. Then have each of the students one by one read to you silently. I will assess their comprehension by using a rubric for understanding their selected text. Also, have the students give a brief summary either written or orally about their book.

Reference: 

Eldredge, J. Lloyd. (1995). Teaching Decoding in Holistic Classrooms.  New Jersey: Prentice Hall, Inc.

Lang, Karissa. Silent Reading is Fun!

http://www.auburn.edu/rdggenie/insights/langgf.html

Pats Jam.  Phonics Readers Short Vowels.  Carson, CA:  Educational Insights. 
1990.