Using sustained silent reading

Sustained silent reading is a period of uninterrupted silent reading.

Independent reading time is not only enjoyable, but it also

• helps learners increase reading skills , and
• provides quiet reading work that a class can do while the teacher gives individual help.

Here are some guidelines to follow when you use sustained silent reading:

• Choose reading material that is enjoyable, and not too difficult.
• Set aside about 15-30 minutes for reading during class.
• Have everyone read silently.

• Reinforce what is being read by

  • discussing the material together, or
  • having readers keep a journal.

• Using a dialogue journal

• Anderson and others 1985:119
• O'Tuel and Holt 1988

• Task module: Using sustained silent reading
• In task module: Developing reading skills
• In task module: Developing literacy skills, by Martha A. Lane (contributor), Delle P. Matthews (contributor), Leah B. Walter (contributor), Glenys Waters (contributor), Anne Klaassens (editor), and Trudy K. Stewart (editor, contributor)
• In task module: Teaching people to read and write, by Carole P. Spaeth (compiler)
• In task module: Implementing a literacy program, by Carole P. Spaeth (compiler)
• In modular book: Implement a literacy program, by Carole P. Spaeth (compiler) and Leah B. Walter (compiler)
• In bookshelf: Literacy

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 4.0, published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 1999. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 16 March 1999

© 1999 SIL International