5 Tips for Creating the Perfect Independent Reading Environment

From Scholastic: 5 Tips for Creating the Perfect Independent Reading Environment

A welcoming reading space will not only inspire your students to read independently, it will boost their comprehension and help instill a life-long love of reading, too.

5 Tips for Creating the Perfect Independent Reading Environment

One of the most effective ways to promote literacy in your classroom is by creating an independent reading space that’s welcoming and inviting. If your students have a comfortable place to read with a collection of well-organized, high-interest books to choose from, they’ll become more engaged in their reading and be able to think critically about it, too. More importantly, they’ll become stronger readers in the process.

These guided reading tips will also help your students develop the literacy and critical thinking skills they need to become strong, independent readers.

If you’re wondering what you can do to make your independent reading space even more welcoming and inviting, here are a few tips to consider:

Line Your Shelves with High-Interest Books

Stocking your reading space with titles your students want to read is a sure-fire way to encourage independent reading. As you get to know your students better during the school year and can gauge what topics they’re in to, be sure to add books that will not only speak to their interests but will also challenge them to think critically.

For young readers, in grades 3-5, these book lists are a great place to start:

18 Must-Read Favorites for Third Grade

18 Books Every Fourth Grade Classroom Needs

26 Books to Get Fifth Graders Reading

Make Sure Your Books are Organized

A well-organized reading space is essential to your students’ reading success. Book bins are a must-have for effective organization. As your reading space grows, you’ll also want to consider organizing your books by level. The Scholastic Book Wizard is a huge help when it comes to organizing books and it’s also a great tool for finding books that meet the needs of all your readers. For more ideas on how to organize your independent reading space, this article outlines all the best ways to organize your books.

Read on for all 5 Tips for Creating the Perfect Independent Reading Environment on Scholastic.

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