Reading To Self and Others...

Since the fall, the children have engaged in a wide range of reading experiences.  We know there are lots of reasons for reading, and ways to do so.  Sometimes the children hear a story all together on the rug with me.  Other times, we meet at the reading table in small groups.  The children especially love when they "read to someone" (a reading buddy) or "read to self" (independent reading).  We've learned what these different reading times look and sound like, and the purposes for choosing the books we do.

Here are some photos of one of our "read to self" times when children read quietly and independently for about 15 minutes.  I spend the time reading with or assessing children.  I am always amazed at how quiet our room is, and how focused the children are on their books.  They practice important reading fluency, word attack skills and comprehension strategies by either reading the words, reading the pictures or retelling.  They are always amazed at how much stamina they have built for this important reading time!