Personal Reading Theory Model

Growing up, I always enjoyed reading and it seemed to come easily for me.  As I got older and into middle school, I hated to read assigned reading and much preferred to read books that I was interested in.  In high school, we read "The Scarlet Letter", "To Kill A Mockingbird", and "The Great Gatsby" three books that I was required to read and fell in love with. I still remember enjoying these books and vividly remember the class discussions, and activities that my teachers assigned for these books.

As I went through college I strayed from my love of reading and only spent time reading for enjoyment during the summers.  I really fell in love with thriller books and spent one summer reading voraciously.  I ended up reading 10 books in a matter of two and a half months.  As I learned about reading I became nervous about teaching the skills component of reading.  I went through school at a time when whole language was taught and I received very little phonics instruction.  I was terrified of having to teach phonics, because I didn't know the "rules."

I believe that reading should encompass a balanced literacy approach.  Skills (comprehension and reading strategies) should be taught through modeling by the teacher, guided reading, and independent practice. Using this balanced literacy approach ensures students will receive skills from the teacher and will have the opportunity to practice them independently under teacher supervision and then eventually on their own. Using a gradual release of responsibility approach ensures the student will have a chance at feeling successful working on reading skills.  A specific time for sharing and discussing of books should be given so students can express their thoughts or feelings about books, authors, or genres. 

I set up my classroom having specific areas for group times for mini lessons, and  independent reading and practice, and a guided reading table. The most important aspect of my classroom is my classroom library and providing as much variety as possible.  It is hard to purchase many books, but I have bought books here and there and acquired some from various sources.  It is so important, though, for students to have an environment where they feel comfortable to make a mistake while reading, accept help and guidance in order to learn and correct their mistake, and to grow as a reader. 

Within the last few years, I have implemented the use of the CAFE model and the pieces of the Daily 5 into my 4th and 5th grade reader's workshop routine.  I integrate as much of the Social Studies and Science content into my reader's workshop and use fiction and nonfiction texts within the mini lessons and guided reading groups and focus on vocabulary development. I conferred with students once every two weeks and gave them goals to work toward as they read independently.  During their independent reading time students had to have a book close to their reading level (this was done after much discussion of my higher reading level 5th graders reading books such as "Bad Kitty", or the Guinness Book of World Records- I told them they could read these for fun at home for their nightly reading.)

Within my own classroom, I try to instill a love of reading within my students. Aside from giving reading tests to determine what level a student is performing on and working with students on skills they lack, I truly enjoy discussing what types of books students like to read and what interests them.  I enjoy these discussions with my students because once I find out what genre and style of books they like I can suggest specific books that will enhance their reading skills and give them the opportunity to become a life long reader.  I try to suggest books that I have read myself so that I can have a more meaningful conversation when I confer with them.  If students feel like you are interested in what they are reading, or their opinion of the books they are reading I think students will be more encouraged to read and enjoy reading. That is, after all, my goal: to encourage students to love reading!