Independent (Self-Selected) Reading:
Opportunities to go Hands-On with Books and Pick a Book to Read with an Adult
In independent (self-selected) reading with emergent students we need to make sure that they have access to a range of books that can be read in one sitting and which include their areas of interest. All emergent students need opportunities to:
- Independently browse books
- Choose a book and have an adult read it with them as a shared reading
You can use printed books or eBooks. Most of all, we want books that will engage the student and that they will be interested in reading repeatedly. Make sure you have a range of books – many students are interested in non-fiction topics, not just standard picture books.
For some students to go hands-on with books, you’ll need to access or make some durable books e.g. printing off books and laminating, then binding with cable ties.
The handout below was created to support teachers to setup, organise and maintain self-selected reading resources through the year.
Independent Reading – Other Resources
Self-Selected Reading in our Classrooms Overview Sheet
Self-Selected Reading Classroom Evaluation Form
Blog posts on independent reading for emergent students from Jane Farrall
- Organising Books – School-Wide
- And since we are doing shared reading with emergent students in this time, all of the shared reading resources apply as well!