1. Elementary Independent Reading Activities
Ashley Patnaude
As with other independent tasks, it is important to model and demonstrate activities
mentioned below in order to ensure student success and learning. Graphic organizers and
post-its are wonderful ways to allow our elementary students to complete independent
activities during reading. Another great idea is to have a reading journal where students
can store their thinking before, during, and after reading. It is also essential to begin the
year discussing and demonstrating the expectations of independent reading time.
“A number of characteristics of successful implementation of independent reading have been identified,
including the need for teacher scaffolding, determining what constitutes effective practice, the amount of time
that should be devoted to independent reading, the need for students to read appropriate-level texts, and
inclusion of social interaction.”(Samuels &Farstrup, 2011, p. 151)
Pre-reading Activities
 KWL Chart: students complete a chart filling in what
is known about the subject and what he/she would like to
know. Chart is completed in the learned section once
reading is complete.
 Make Predictions: Students can predict what the

2. book will be about based on the title, cover, and pictures only. They can fill in a
prediction chart beforehand.
 Preview/Picture Walk: Before reading, students get an
idea about the book by viewing the cover and pictures.
This allows for background knowledge to be activated.
During Reading Activities
 Ask Questions: Students can fill in a graphic organizer or
use post-its to identify questions they might have
We are learning about inferring as a comprehension
related to reading.
Make Connections: Again, an organizer or post-
strategy proficient readers use to better understand
their reading. 
its stuck to individual pages can be used to point out
When we read: _____________________________
we inferred the meaning of unknown words, like:
WORD What we infer What helped
it means: us? connections students make. These include… text-to-
self, text-to-text, text-to-media, text-to-world.
 Make Predictions: Students can use post-its to
write down any predictions they come up with while
reading. Post-its can be stuck on individual pages to
monitor thinking.

3.  Inferring: Students can choose unfamiliar words to add to a chart where they use clues
on the page to determine meaning.
 Read to a Stuffed Animal: For primary aged students, reading to a
“friend” can help develop fluency.
 Whisper Read: Another great strategy to
develop fluency at the primary age.
Visualizing SEE
Name:
Title:
Author:
Date:

4. SMELL HEAR
Post Reading Activities
 Write a Book Review:
TASTE FEEL
Students can
complete a template
about their book once
it is completed. This can include a brief summary, as well
as their opinions of the book, and a recommendation for
classmates.
 Summarize the Text: A great way for students to practice
the art of summarizing, while also allowing educators to monitor comprehension.
 Describe a Character/Setting: Students can choose one character or setting to create a
description of.
 Visualize a Scene: Drawing or detailing the sensory aspects of a particular scene… a
graphic organizer such as this.
 Strategy Discussions/Share-Out: It is essential that students conclude reading lessons
with an opportunity to discuss their learning with their peers and instructor.

5. Reader’s Workshop:
I have found that reader’s workshop
is a wonderful organized way to
allow for whole-group, small-group,
and individualized instruction.
Organizing reading lessons in this
way promotes student thinking,
while pushing students to be
successful readers in an
independent nature.
Conferencing
Teachers should check in with
students on a weekly basis through quick conferences.
“Researchers working on reading instruction… recommended a variety of approaches, including advance
organizers, questioning and predicting, collaborative discussion, and think-alouds, to help students engage
strategically with text and engage at the same time.”(Samuels &Farstrup, 2011, p. 170)

6. Elementary Teacher Resources
http://www.busyteacherscafe.com/literacy/comprehension_strategies.html
This website contains lesson ideas, information on strategy instruction, as well as ready-to-
go graphic organizers that can be used in your classroom.
http://love4thgrade.blogspot.com/2011/10/power-of-post-its-in-reading.html
Ideas for using post-its during reading.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMC4eRRwCYE
YouTube video showing ideas about a reading response journal.
http://www.lauracandler.com/filecabinet/literacyfiles.php
Free printables with graphic organizers for reading activities.
Resources
Farstrup, A. F. & Samuels, S. J. (Eds). (2011). What Research Has to Say About Reading
Instruction (4th Ed).International Reading Association.