Blog Post 3: October: Tiffany Thompson: Sec 1: Not This: Is There Enough Time? And Is Time Enough to Support Independent Reading?

     While reading this section of the book, I quickly made connection to the articles, “Kidwatching” and “The Pleasure Principle.”  It was as if the three authors sat down for tea and biscuits and had the same ideas to share in their own writings.  The main ideas being:  Make learning meaningful, observe and conference with readers, and give them time to read.  These things will allow children to learn about themselves, other people and the world around them.  Reading is empowering.  In many ways, I believe it molds us into the people we are.

     One idea I would like to add to my independent reading time is a reflection component.  I’m thinking about having students draw or “write” about what they are reading in their reading journals.  That would be another way to “see” what they are thinking.

     I had to laugh out loud at the side story about the soldiers guarding the bench.  How many times have I done something just because that is how it has always been done?  That’s not to say I have never self-reflected but there have been times when I was obedient and did as told without asking the important “why” questions.  What benches have I been guarding?  Hmmm?  Let me do some soul searching…..

     With SSR and DEAR times, students may be sitting quietly with a book, flipping pages correctly, and looking at the paper, but what are they processing?  What is going on in their heads?  As I teacher, the only way to know is to ask questions.  It is my job to monitor and give feedback.  It will take giving students time, giving students choices, kidwatching, and conferencing to keep wanting and looking for more.  If students do not like to read or are not given the tools to become successful readers, they may grow up to be adults that do not like to read.