Morning Reading Time: Free Choice Noisy Reading Develops Literacy.

Every morning we start our day with Morning Reading. Once the shoes are off and the coats and bags hung up, and the communication book and home reading bag are handed in, the children go to the book corner and choose something to read. They have a choice of classroom books, as well as books I have selected from the library for our collection. Also there are non fiction books in a box reserved for non fiction, and big books.
The children can read alone, or with a friend or in a group. They can read at desks or on the floor.
This is the time that I also call them up one at a time to change the books in their home reading bags which go home every day.
I find that this 'noisy reading time' really stimulates a love of books and of reading. The excitement of discovery and sharing is infectious. Also they read to each other and take pride in one anothers abilities. Conversation flows, listening and speaking skills develop as they decide with peers which book to read, how to share and who to share with. Social skills develop as relationships are negotiated during this time.
I have some pictures here to show how immersed these children are in the reading experience.
This reading time is not about leveled reading books, they are free to choose what books they read or share together in Morning Reading time. We have another reading time, usually after lunch. During this time the children read independently from their personal book bags full of books at their reading level.

Sharing a book together quietly.

Getting up close to take in the details.

Concentrating hard while reading.

Some children choose to read alone.

 

Reading fosters discussion and language development.

Lively illustrations inspire reading activities.