Making Learning Visible: No More Independent Reading, Without Support by Debbie Miller & Barbara Moss

​A few teachers at Westview decided to participate in a book study that the Title I teachers recommended called, No More Independent Reading, Without Support by Debbie Miller and Barbara Moss.  I have always been a big Debbie Miller fan and couldn’t wait to jump into this book.  During our meetings, we had discussions and questions about whether or not we would want to incorporate some conferring into our IDR block.  The importance of conferring with students during IDR is a major focus of the book.  After feeling confident, I decided to give it a try with my class one day during their IDR time.  We were focusing on Point of View, and after giving my mini-lesson on POV, I sent students off to read with the task of identifying the point of view their IDR book is told from.  They needed to find some evidence to support their answer. (Ex: I, me, my…)  After students were settled in, I began with one student and had a brief conversation (3-4 minutes) about their reading.  I first had them read aloud for me so I could listen to their reading and discuss any fix-up strategies or fluency feedback I could give.  I then talked with them about POV.  If there were any misconceptions, I was able to address the right away.  I was also able to tell if the book they chose to read during IDR was a just right book and we had the opportunity to discuss why or why not.  What I loved most about this was that in a few minutes, I was able to discuss not only POV, but see any other issues students may be having during IDR time.  Guiding students to choose appropriate books that they enjoy is a skill that will help them wherever they go.  I am so happy I took the time to read and discuss this book with my colleagues.  

Rachel Howe, Westview Elementary, 3rd Grade