Silent Sustained Reading

Silent reading time develops stamina, personal taste, and the lifelong habit of reading. It is the culmination of all reading instruction.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Language
• Learning area: Reading
• Level: Ages 4-6

Objectives

• Build independent reading stamina
• Develop personal reading habits
• Practice self-selected reading
• Cultivate love of reading

Materials

• Classroom library with varied books
• Comfortable reading spaces
• Book boxes for personal selections
• Reading log

Instructions

1. Set timer (start with 5 minutes, build to 20+). 2. Everyone reads—including the teacher. 3. Children choose own books. 4. Read silently and independently. 5. Share one thing learned or enjoyed after reading time. 6. Log books and pages in reading log.

Educator tip

Model being a reader yourself. When children see adults reading for pleasure, they understand reading's value beyond school.

Assessment

Child reads independently for increasing periods, choosing appropriate books and discussing them.

More from Language

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• Grammar Symbols: Introduction to the Noun
• Grammar Symbols: Introduction to the Article
• Grammar Symbols: Introduction to the Adjective
• Grammar Symbols: Introduction to the Verb
• Grammar Symbols: Introduction to the Adverb
• Grammar Symbols: Introduction to the Preposition
• Grammar Symbols: Introduction to the Conjunction