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.
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. 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 25 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.
When everyone has chosen a book, we will come back and learn how to
read
silently.
3. Reading silently is fun. Since we have never read silently,
I first want everyone to begin reading their books in a whisper
voice.
Do you remember how we whisper (allow the students to practice this
skill
while reading for a few minutes)? Very good. Now, we are
going
to read in an even quieter voice. I want you to only move your lips
when
you say the words. 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, 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.
4. 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.
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. 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.
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