Accountability for independent reading

How do you go about it? I actually have my kids reading aloud to each other from partner novels (they both have a copy of the same book). But I have trouble keeping tabs on them- a few pairs are already on their second book while some pairs have barely made a dent in their first. To keep the noise at a reasonable level (I want them to read aloud to improve fluency) I let some pairs go in the hall- but then I am all over the place watching the noise level.

Any tips?

Re: Accountability for independent reading

reader response

Re: Accountability for independent reading

stop and jot on post its? (they can hand post it in

turn and talk to your partner?

write you a letter to you about what they are reading?

reading bookmarks - on strips of paper: what do you notice? what surprised you? what connections can you make? what questions do I have? What is the author's purpose/meaning?

write a book review (if your library has follett destiny - they can do it online) - challenge them to write a "tweet" book review in 140 characters

Message edited 3/23/2010 12:31:17 PM.

Re: Accountability for independent reading

Not sure what grade you teach. In our 6th grade classes we've implement an SSR program. The kids can read their own book and have a separate SSR notebook. First thing in the morning as soon as they unpack they read about 15-20 mins and do an entry. They are to write the Title / Author of the book they are reading, the pages they read and one paragraph summary / one paragraph reaction. I check it at the end of the week.

Re: Accountability for independent reading

Thanks for the ideas- I actually like the idea of tweeting- something quick. I have SO many things going on in my room- writing workshop, reading lessons and our class novel, test prep. I'm always juggling!

Re: Accountability for independent reading

They have reader response books and I make they do double entry journals.

Re: Accountability for independent reading

I second the reading response that is the only way i know my kids are reading
we also have the blo about what they read (book clubish) i also read all the blogs and i use google blogger to do it

Re: Accountability for independent reading

I make the kids sign a "contract" saying they're going to read a certain amount, and then have the parents sign it as well. I'll have them chat about the books they've been reading a few times during the year.