Real Reading vs. Fake Reading

Our class learned all about what's our independent reading time should look like. We made a chart for real reading vs. fake reading. Then I took pictures of my class and they wrote sentences about their reading. Here are some of the pictures and sentences they came up with.

Fake reading is a book on top of your head.

Real reading is looking at the book.

Fake reading is playing with your books.

Real reading is eyes on the book.

Fake reading is sleeping with a book on your head.

Real reading is turning the pages. 

Then we made a bulletin board for real vs fake reading. I still reference this from time to time when students aren't reading as they should.

What things do you do in your classroom to help students understand how they should read independently?

Just Right Books

I've been looking through some of my books this summer trying to figure out which ones I want to take back with me to my 1st grade room. It got me thinking about how I structured my classroom for reading and I wanted to share.

First, I started off looking at data. Data should drive all instruction, so if you don't currently do that, seek out someone who can help. It will forever change the way you teach.

I use the data to determine where students were at the end of the previous year. It also helps me know where to begin testing for the Fall. I begin labeling book baskets with their name and reading level. Then I fill the baskets myself for the first time. I teach the students where to look for books on their level and the procedures for checking out books. It makes things easier since every book in my classroom library is leveled. I tell students to try to read books that are one level above, and one level below as well. It worked really well in my classroom this year and the students were motivated to read more and sort of competed with themselves to move through reading levels.

I made this reading leveled book list that students used to pick out books from the library. You can get it from my TPT store.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leveled-Book-List-170002

What works in your classroom?