Are you looking for ways to keep your students engaged and accountable while providing meaningful activities for independent reading? I’ve got a ton of great ideas for you!
These activities are my go-to bread and butter for choice reading, literature circles, or book clubs. There can be some trial and error with your own particular students, but one thing I’ve learned is that providing choice can go a long way. Maybe try giving students a few activities to decide between during the unit. That way they can decide what best suits them.
#1: Doodle Notes
My students love to doodle while they do just about anything. These literary element doodle notes allow students to take notes on the most important parts of the story while reading. It’s a good way to keep students on track without distracting them too much. Click here to check out my pre-made doodle notes that I use with my own students.
#2: Response to Literature Activities
I stopped giving reading quizzes a long time ago. Instead, I utilize response to literature activities. These kinds of activities include before, during, and after reading assignments that allow students to think critically about what they’ve read. They activate prior knowledge, give students an active role in their reading, and allow for a unique assessment that will let you know what your students have learned in a creative way. To see my pre-made resource, click here.
#3: Character Analysis
Character analysis activities are especially effective activities for independent reading. If students can tell you specifics about a character then they are most likely actually reading their books. There are so many ways you can incorporate character.
First, I like to make sure students understand the basics when it comes to how an author shows character. I have a great Character Mini-Lesson to help students with this.
Next, I like to incorporate some fun projects so students can demonstrate understanding. Having students come up with a soundtrack for a character or curating social media for a character are easy ways to tell if a student understands the material in an engaging way.
For more ideas on how to teach character, click here to read my full blog post.
You can also get my Character Analysis Mega Bundle full of resources for teaching character by clicking here.
#4: Nonfiction Text Connection
Having students find a nonfiction text connection to any book and then research articles is one of my favorite ways for students to make text-to-world connections.
All books inevitably connect to the world in some way and encouraging your students to find those connections will help them make deeper meaning within the text.
Give your students some time to brainstorm ideas. Then, have them research articles on the topic and gather ideas. They can even write about how the articles they found connect to the book. Have them share with a partner or with the class. This can also be a great activity for a literature circle discussion.
#5: Book Blogs
Book blogs are a fun way for students to react to what they’re reading. At regular intervals during the reading process, have students stop and write about what they read. You can have them respond to a specific prompt or free write. Students can share with each other (or even other classes!) and comment on each other’s work. This is also a great way to include an authentic audience for their writing.
Get the Bundle and Save!
Download my full Independent Reading Unit Bundle and save 20% on ONE FULL INDEPENDENT READING UNIT. From start to finish, this unit is fully stocked with engaging activities and everything you need to run an organized, meaningful choice reading unit. Check it out here!
What are your favorite during reading activities for independent reading? Sound off in the comments below or follow me on IG or Facebook to join the conversation.
Happy teaching!
