How to run a Free Choice Classroom Library
What is Sustained Silent Reading / Free Voluntary Reading / Free Choice Reading?
"Free Voluntary Reading [FVR] means reading what you want to read, with no book reports, no questions at the end of the chapter, and not having to finish the book if you don't want to. Sustained silent reading provides children with an opportunity to do free voluntary reading in school."
The basic requirements:
Dr. Stephen Krashen says that all that is required for a child to become a reader is access to books and a quiet, comfortable place to read.
1. An ample supply of readers at many levels that can be easily accessed and selected based on student interests and language abilities.
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2. Class time set aside for silent reading without interruption.
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3. A quiet comfortable place to read.
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According to Clark and Rumbold (2006), reading for pleasure was defined as reading done in anticipation of the satisfaction it would bring or continued required reading because the reader found the subject matter interesting. Pleasure reading is a personal experience that “typically involves materials that reflect our own choice, at a time and place that suits” (Clark &Rumbold, 2006, p. 6)
Aren't students already pleasure reading?
They aren't! They are reading for school, but they are not reading for fun.
Why is Pleasure Reading important? Is it really worth the class time?
TEN TIMES FASTER!
Are there other advantages to Pleasure Reading besides vocabulary?
Pleasure readers also do better in math and in history.
Other blogs and articles on reading:
Self-selected fiction Stephen Krashen
88 generalizations on FVR Stephen Krashen
Maris Hawkins, Low to no prep ideas to use for reading and listening
Maris Hawkins Noticias, short Spanish readings
Revista Literal Spanish readings
AnnMarie Chase Elements to Incorporate Into Your Free Reading Program
Experimenting with FVR First Semester Reflections
Alina Filipescu on how to run a Sustained Silent Reading program
Sarah Breckley How to Implement
The Impact of Pleasure Reading on Academic Success
FVR for Heritage Language Learners
Sarah Breckley Free Voluntary Reading How to Implement