Tips for SSR Reading

Why SSR???

Highlights from THE POWER OF READING: INSIGHTS FROM THE RESEARCH (Krashen, 2004)

n      Evidence for SSR/FVR is overwhelming; in all research, students who were given the opportunity for SSR/FVR showed growth in literacy development, vocabulary development, grammar test performance, writing, and oral language ability.

n      There is abundant evidence that literacy development can occur without formal  instruction, and no assessment is necessary.

n      Reading itself promotes reading!

n      A single very positive reading experience, one “home run book,” can create a reader.

Okay, how???

Environment: The physical characteristics of the reading environment are important. Comfort is crucial--Allow students to stretch out on the floor, curl up in a corner, or sit on top of or under a desk. Silence is an absolute!

Roles

n      Teacher—Attitude and participation are vital to success; the teacher relishes the opportunity to read their self-selected material.

n      Teacher QUIETLY handles any classroom management issues by using proximity to redirect students.

n      Teacher sits close to students so that students are aware that the teacher is also participating (this also helps remove the temptation to work).

n      All other campus personnel participate by either joining a classroom or reading in their work area.

Materials

n      While the campus expectation is for all students to have a library book at all times, it is unlikely that this will happen. To overcome this problem, Mrs. Rockett will check out a variety of materials to your classroom which may remain in the room for the remainder of the year, or until you pick out new materials from the library.

n      If a student wants to check out a book which is checked out to you, you may e-mail the librarian the book barcode (found on the front) and the student’s name so the item will be moved to the student’s record.

n      The campus policy for library materials allows all students access to a paperback (no graphic novels due to cost) each time they come to the library regardless of their library record.

Assessment

n      No assessment will be taken of the students during SSR/FVR time; students (and you) will be offered time to read for pleasure and purpose without being required to document what you have read.

All right, so when???

      Your team will decide which days you are doing SSR in 5^th period den. It will be at least twice a week. If you’re off that period, just do SSR every day (kidding).

What do I read then???

      Oooh, I’d love to recommend stuff to you! You an even be in one of the book clubs! And check out the faculty book collection in the workroom!

Power Point by Rose Brock