Getting started with FVR (free voluntary reading) or SSR (silent sustain reading) may give some teachers pause for a few reasons. For me, I was worried that my students wouldn’t take advantage of the time and wouldn’t read. I came up with these free voluntary reading tips hoping to help a teacher that felt the way that I felt when getting started with FVR.
1. Read While Your Students Read.
Your students are watching you! If you take attendance, grade papers, make copies or anything else during free voluntary reading they will pick up on the fact that you never read with them. Why should they read if you don’t even like to? Reading while they read shows them that you value the time and it is important. Never underestimate your influence on a student.
2. Let Students Choose.
Student HAVE TO choose the books they read. Otherwise, it’s not voluntary and students may begin to resent the time. Let student’s find the type of books they enjoy.
3. Provide Variety.
It’s important to give students a variety. You know the types of books you like to read and the types of books that make you want to fall asleep.
Students are going to have those same preferences when it comes to reading. By providing them choices in different genres, you’re allowing them to figure out what they like and that will help them enjoy reading and develop a love for reading.
- News Articles
- Non-fiction
- Fiction
- Mystery
- Suspense
- Sci-fi
4. Be Consistent.
Choose days for a FVR schedule and do your best to stick to it. Of course things come up and things need to be moved around but consistency will get students into the habit or reading.
5. Set clear limits and expectations.
Make sure you are clear with what you expect from students. Here are a few examples of limits and expectations.
- Read the entire time.
- No talking to classmates.
- No bathroom breaks.
Clearly posting and reiterating to students the expectations for the time will help keep disruptive behavior and distractions to a minimum.
6. Be Flexible.
Students may start reading a book and not want to finish it. It’s ok and normal for a student to want to switch books.
Forcing a student to finish a book will not encourage students or create a love for reading. You don’t want students to resent FVR time.
7. Let Students Get Comfortable.
Weird requests? You may get some. Some students want to stretch out and sit on the floor. As long as they aren’t bothering other students, don’t be afraid to let students get comfortable.
Want to read more about FVR (free voluntary reading) or SSR(silent sustained reading)?
Check out these post by some amazing language teachers for more free voluntary reading tips.
- 3 Ways to Build a World Language FVR Library
- 5 Steps to FVR Buy In with Students
- How to Get Your Students to Do Silent Sustained Reading (and Like It!) by Bryce Hedstrom
- Sustained Silent Reading Guidelines by Bryce Hedstrom
- Sustained Silent Reading in Language Class by Kristy Placido
- Free Voluntary Reading Area by Carrie Toth
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Jade Greene
