All through Hiawatha, reading stamina is starting to build. From Kindergarten all the way to 5th Grade, the students have been defining stamina and the things that good readers do. They have started to pick their own books, place themselves around the room, and begin to really READ after a long summer vacation.
The first thing we work on every year is building stamina. Stamina simply means how long we can stay focussed and read our books independently. If we can teach the students to read books at their level independently, then the teachers can teach small groups and have individual conferences while the rest of the class is building up their reading level by reading books of their choice and level.
The common thought in kids' minds, as well as the teachers' minds, is that building stamina is hard work. Some days, it comes easy and everyone reads and is engaged without much thought. The next day, with the change in temperature, a day without book shopping, a different time of day, etc. stamina might drop. The good news is, that it will come back! Our kids remember that they are in control of their own reading. They are the ones who will make themselves readers.
They are in control of their own learning. What a powerful message to send!
If your child does not read at home every night, I highly suggest that you have them practice building stamina at home. Let them pick out a book(s), find a comfy spot, and time them. See how long they can stay engaged in the book(s)! As soon as they stop reading, start watching someone else, or try and tell you something, stop the timer. Celebrate how long they could control their reading! Challenge them to get a minute longer the next time. This will remind them that no matter where they are, they have the power to make themselves
independent readers!!!
(Thank you, 2FLAL, for your stamina anchor chart.)
