My students have Independent Reading time daily. I try to make it a special time for the kiddos by letting them choose a cozy spot and giving them a comfy pillow. I also make sure I have plenty of fun books. It is often their favorite time of the day!
But reading really is pretty important, and I have a fun, quick way for the children respond to their books. Are you ready for a bright idea?
Although I have several strategies for checking for understanding in response to Independent Reading time, this is a quick one I use often. It doesn't replace the need for deep book conversations or detailed Book Reviews. It's just a quick response.
It starts with a Post It.
My kiddos each have a Post it pad in their book boxes just for this purpose! Many kids struggle using Post its, so I make it as easy as possible for them.
I replace the backing with a red square as a reminder: don't use that side. (It also helps them find their own!)
I have them write on the Post it while it's still on the pad. (To avoid them writing on the sticky side!)
What they write depends on the prompt. I'll ask them a variety of questions, depending on what we're studying.
- They might draw the setting.
- They might write 3 adjectives to describe the main character.
- They might write a general statement about the story.
- They could be asked about the Author's purpose.
I'm sure you can think of many more responses that would fit on a Post it!
Sometimes I tell them the topic before we read.
Sometimes I don't tell them until after we read.
Here comes the really easy part:
They just put the post it on their class number!
That's it! I've had these same charts for years, and I just keep using them for exit slips! It's easy to see who wrote what, and who hasn't responded yet!
Sometimes I have the children share with the whole class what they wrote. Sometimes I have them share with a small group, and sometimes they don't share at all!
It's quick and easy, and there are plenty of possibilities.
How do you assess Independent Reading?
