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Helping Students Become Independent Readers

Writer's picture: Noa AraziNoa Arazi
Dec 10, 20232 min read

Updated: Dec 11, 2023


Reading is one of the most important skills we teach children in school. But our job isn't done once kids learn to read words on a page. The ultimate goal is for students to become independent, motivated readers who can select and dive into books.

Why does reading independence matter so much? Studies show it's a key component of future academic success. Self-motivated reading promotes stronger literacy skills, expands vocabulary and background knowledge, and even improves test scores.

As teachers, how can we cultivate the mindset and abilities kids need to fly solo as readers? Here are some effective strategies to try:



Reading Cards







I provide students with "Reading Cards". - small cards with vocabulary words taught in class. Students practice these words in short texts by reading them out loud to their parents at home and getting their parents' signatures. This keeps families informed and involved.

A big credit to Moriya Hassan, a super creative teacher who started this wonderful idea and many others! Thanks, dear.


 











Set Up a Classroom Library.

Allow kids to help select books they want to read. Display books attractively by topic, author or theme. Teach kids how to use library classification systems to locate books tailored to their interests.



 

Use Student Self-Recordings to Improve Fluency

I utilize a method where students record themselves reading, and then self-correct mistakes. Going through this multiple times with my guidance trains them to read more fluently.



 


"Reading Chart" מעקב קריאה/ טבלת קריאה./ יומן קריאה


Another tool is a personalized "Reading Chart" where students track their reading sessions. At the end of a period, the child who has read the most earns a prize! Having students chart their progress helps motivate them to read independently and more consistently







 

Model Your Passion for Reading

Kids are influenced by our authentic excitement about books. Share good reads aloud, incorporate books into lessons, and be seen reading for pleasure during free moments.

With student exposure to abundant, engaging books and individual support from teachers, kids become empowered to embark on reading quests that shape both literacy and lifelong learning. Our end goal? Students who don’t just learn to read, but read to learn – independently.

 
 
 

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English Day Clip

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To create an English day, follow these general steps:

  1. Choose a topic:                                                                                                                Decide on a theme for your English day. It could be a particular subject like astronomy, friendship or animals.                                                            

  2. Plan activities:                                                                                                     Once you have selected a topic, brainstorm a list of activities that would be engaging and relevant to the theme. You can include a variety of activities such as games, quizzes, discussions, role-plays, and writing tasks. Include sports activities to promote language learning and physical fitness (click here to see examples ). Be sure to make the activities age-appropriate and aligned with the learning objectives.-                          **********To make the activities more relevant to the English Day topic, lower-grade students could create crowns, bookmarks, bracelets, and other crafts using simple words related to the theme. This will not only be fun and engaging but also help them learn new vocabulary in a creative way.                                                                                       

  3. Create stations:                                                                                                          Divide the activities into different stations. Each station should have a specific focus and set of materials. For example, one station could be a vocabulary station where students learn new words related to the theme. or maybe a Category Station (For this Category Station use cardboard or bottles  (click to see examples).  Another station could be a writing station where students write a letter, essay, or story about the topic. You can also have a reading station, a listening station, and a speaking station.                            

  4. Prepare materials:                                                                                           Gather all the materials needed for each station, such as flashcards, worksheets, and audio recordings. Make sure that all materials are appropriate and related to the theme.                                                                       

  5. Set up the stations:                                                                                          Arrange the stations around the classroom or a designated space. Each station should have clear instructions and guidelines for students to follow. You can also have a timer or schedule to keep students on track and ensure that they visit all the stations.                                                                    

  6. Implement the activities:                                                                                      On the day of the English day, introduce the theme and explain the activities to the students. Let them explore and engage with each station at their own pace. You can also have volunteers or teachers to assist students with any questions or difficulties.                                                                 

  7. Evaluate the outcomes:                                                                                         At the end of the English day, ask students to reflect on their learning and share their feedback. Evaluate the outcomes of the activities and assess if they met the learning objectives. Use the feedback to improve the English day for future events.                                                                                                        

To illustrate an example of how to create an English day, let's use the topic of        *******Friendship*******:

  1. Choose a topic: Friendship.

  2. Plan activities: Flashcard vocabulary game, letter writing activity,              foot-hands game with friendship sentences like:       "A friend is someone who gives you total freedom to be yourself." - Jim Morrison or "The only way to have a friend is to be one." - Ralph Waldo Emerson. Print each sentence and give them to the students to read while moving on to the footprints game. The use of friendship quotes (or any other topic you choose) in the foot-hands game is a nice game, as it encourages students to think about the meaning behind the quotes while engaging in a fun and active game. Overall, it's a well-organized and thoughtful plan for a lesson on friendship.  click here to learn more about the footprints game.

  3. Create stations:                                                                                                   Vocabulary station, writing station, game station

  4. Prepare materials:                                                                                            Flashcards with astronomy words, letter writing prompts, foot-hands game sentences                                                                                                                  

  5. As part of the promotion and public relations for English Day, one idea could be to print out riddles with QR codes that students can scan and upload their answers to a Google Form. Another creative way to promote the English Day topic could be to place English words on the stairs of the school.                                                                                                                        Last thing!!!- Decorating the walls is also a great way to promote English Day! You could create posters and banners with catchy phrases and graphics related to the theme of the event. This will not only create a festive atmosphere but also remind students and teachers about the upcoming English Day. A big thanks to my dearest friend Victoria Brachman for sharing her super creative ideas for English Day!                      The above ideas could be effective in generating interest and excitement for the event. Click here to see examples 

  6. Set up the stations:                                                                                      Vocabulary station with flashcards and matching activity, writing station with writing prompts and paper, game station with foot-hands game cards

  7. Implement the activities:                                                                                Introduce the theme of astronomy and explain the activities to the students. Let them explore and engage with each station at their own pace. Monitor the activities and provide assistance if needed.

  8. Evaluate the outcomes:                                                                                        Ask students to share their feedback and evaluate if the activities met the learning objectives, such as learning new vocabulary, improving writing skills, and understanding astronomy concepts. Use the feedback to improve the English day for future events.   Click so see my English Day. Good Luck. Noa Arazi, Hod Hasharon.

  9.  Orly Arye's English Day 

  10. Orly Arye's English Day 2

  11. Orly's English Day 3

  12. Hanni Farhat's English Day

  13. Hanni Farhat's English Day 2 Master Chef

  14. Hanni Farhat's English Day 3 Under the Water Day

  15. Hanni Farhat's English Day 4   Hanuckh Party

  16. Hanni Farhat 4 Dr. De Bono

  17. ​

  18. ***** To get the downloadable materials, please visit the                                           "Free Printables" section on the homepage.           

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