READING STAMINA:
Reading stamina can be defined as maintaining focus and endurance while reading. In other words, to read for a duration of time without stopping or giving up. Research has shown that reading stamina is crucial for students, especially when they are just starting to read.
BUILDING READING STAMINA:
While the ultimate goal is for students to read independently for a long period of time, it is suggested that the following strategies be employed to help build reading stamina for new or struggling readers:
- Listen to Someone Read
- Read to Someone
- Independent Reading
- Read “Just Right” Books
- Celebrate Progress
Listen to Someone Read
Research suggests that listening to reading strengthens literacy development in students. It shows students how to read with fluency and expression, decode and pronounce unfamiliar words, introduce new vocabulary, and expose them to texts that they might otherwise consider.
Listening to someone read also helps students develop a better understanding of sequential order, identifying the main idea or details, and summarizing/paraphrasing a story. For auditory listeners, this reading strategy is an excellent way to explore and comprehend literature above their current reading level.
Listening to someone read can look like:
- Teachers/Parents reading books aloud
- Partnership Reading
- Listening to books on tape, CD, iPod or computer
Read to Someone
Teachers and families play a critical role in helping students to develop a love of reading and build upon their reading skills. In the classroom, teachers can assign students to reading partnerships where they can be paired based on their ability level. Together they can tackle a text that is more suited to their reading level. Reading partnerships can also be based on building reading fluency. A less fluent reader can work with a more advanced reader who can help with decoding skills and intonation.
Students also love to read stories aloud to the class! You would be surprised to see at how quiet and attentive the class can become when they listen to one of their peers read a story. This strategy makes it very empowering for other students as they are learning from their peers, and are eager to have a turn to read to the class as well!
Families can support their child by asking them to a read story (each morning/evening) either to their parents, siblings, pets, or other relatives. To optimize on a child’s reading experience, it is recommended families designate a “family reading time” as this will not only reinforce the importance of reading, but children will also associate reading as a fun family activity.
Independent Reading
Independent reading is often seen as a precursor to reading achievement. The power in allowing for student choice when selecting books to read independently, grants student autonomy and empowerment.
Allowing student choice in selecting books to read and designating time for independent reading allows students the opportunity to “hear” their own reading voice and take ownership of their learning. Over time students will develop a love for reading.
“JUST RIGHT” Books
A “just right” book means that students should be able to read or decode a large majority of the text. The book itself should not be so challenging that it causes the student to give up, or too easy as that it causes them to become bored. While it can be argued that reading easier texts builds reading fluency and student confidence, students should continue to be challenged just enough to sustain interest in the text and build upon their reading skills.
When selecting a “just right” book, it is suggested that students implement the “5-Finger Rule”. Students start by opening any page in the book and reading that page; for each word they do not know they hold up a finger. If the student holds up 0-1 fingers, then the book is too easy. If they hold up 2-3 fingers, then the book is “just right”. If they hold up 5 or fingers, then the book is too hard.
Again, selecting a “just right” book, the child should be able to decode most of the text by only missing 2-3 words per page.
Celebrate Progress:
Whether it is reading duration or moving up a reading level, it is important for students to be recognized for their dedication and perseverance in reading. It is extremely important for students to celebrate their progress. Some ideas to celebrate can include: selecting a special reading spot, dressing up like their favorite book character, receiving a special treat, having a reading dance party, or doing a “clap out” where students receive a certificate/reward and walk down the classroom aisle while their peers cheer them on! The important thing is that students are rewarded for their hard work and they are encouraged to keep going with their reading.
