How to Make Independent Reading Work in the Middle School ELA Classroom
Independent reading can be one of the most peaceful (and rewarding) parts of the middle school ELA classroom.
In my classroom, I call it S.P.A., or Solo Page Adventures, and it is truly the most relaxing part of my day!
During S.P.A., we lower the lights, spray eucalyptus oils, turn on nature sounds or spa music, and even warm a bunch of towels. Then we settle in and spend some quiet time reading.
And okay, okay, maybe the spa atmosphere isn't strictly necessary for independent reading, but there are a few other things we do that make our daily S.P.A. time work especially well.
Here are my tips for making independent reading a consistent and enjoyable part of your middle school ELA classroom.
1. Let Students Choose What They Want to Read
One of the most important parts of making independent reading work is giving students some choice in what they read.
In my classroom, I keep books available for students to choose from, but they are also welcome to bring books from home.
When students have the opportunity to choose a book that genuinely interests them, independent reading becomes something they can look forward to instead of another assignment they have to complete.
The goal is simple: Get them reading.
That might mean a novel from your classroom library, a book they brought from home, or something else that catches their attention. Giving middle school students some ownership over their reading choices can make a big difference.
2. Quietly Keep Track of Students' Reading Progress
Independent reading doesn't mean that the teacher has to be completely uninvolved.
During S.P.A., I quietly check in with each reader and ask two simple questions:
What are you reading?
What page are you on?
That's it!
This gives me a quick way to keep track of what everyone is reading and how they're progressing through their books.
But there's another benefit, too. These quick check-ins give me an opportunity to connect individually with each student every day.
Independent reading time can be peaceful and quiet while still giving you a chance to build those one-on-one relationships with your students.
3. Make Independent Reading a Consistent Part of Your Routine
If you want independent reading to become a habit, consistency is key.
In my classroom, we spend about 10 minutes reading every day from Monday through Thursday.
Because S.P.A. is a regular part of our routine, students know what to expect. They know that when my meditative spa music starts playing on the classroom speakers, it’s time to settle down, pick up their books, and read.
It doesn't have to be a huge chunk of your class period, either. Just 10 minutes of reading each day can give students the opportunity to build a habit of reading consistently.
And, honestly? Sometimes those 10 minutes of peaceful reading are exactly what I need, too.
Create Your Own Classroom S.P.A.
If you're looking for a way to make independent reading work in your middle school ELA classroom, consider creating your own version of S.P.A.
Let students choose what they want to read. Keep track of their progress with quick, quiet check-ins. And most importantly, make independent reading a consistent part of your daily routine.
It truly keeps me sane some days—and I hope it can bring a little more peace to your classroom, too!
Looking for a Book for Reluctant Readers?
Shameless plug here, but if you have reluctant readers in your classroom, you might also consider introducing them to my debut middle grade novel, Hidden.
I'm so excited to hear from other middle school ELA teachers that their reluctant readers are loving it. That makes me so happy!
Sometimes, finding the right book is all it takes to help a student discover that reading can actually be something they enjoy. But the most important thing? Find a setup and routine that consistently works for you and your students. If you look forward to reading time every day, it’s way more likely to happen, and your students are more likely to build this important habit.
