Gallman Post 5: Miller Section 2 Why Not? What Works?

The more I read our assigned chapters, the more I realize that I need to make more time to allow students to read independently. Although I know that independent reading is important and should be implemented in the classroom, it is something that often gets overlooked. I use independent reading usually as just a filler as we are waiting for students to finish certain tasks or as a transition between spelling and grammar lessons. I have to do a better job of making sure that I designate specific time for students for students to read. I agree with Miller that independent reading has faded from the classroom in recent years. In school, I remember being taught to teach students to read more effectively but I don't feel like we  were ever told to actually give students time to just read for pleasure. Although it seems like it is common sense, I am just now realizing how important it is and that I don't do it enough.
On page 12, Miller lists ways that independent reading can improve academic performance, and I know many students who could benefit from this. My favorite thing on the list was that it could help students read with more expression. I am always encouraging students to show emotion when they read and pay attention to punctuation, and now I see that giving them more time to read independently could actually help them with this instead of me always just pointing it out to them. On page 16, Miller talks about practices for effective independent reading. My favorite from this list is talk about what they read. Although I have conferenced with students and talked to them about what they read, it just hit me that I have never given them a chance to talk to other students about what they are reading. I'm sure it would be much more interesting to students to share their reading experiences with their peers than with me.
My favorite part of this section was "Why Independent Reading Matters Most for Striving Readers and English Learners." Working at a school with several students learning English as a second language, I see the benefits for them to have that time to read independently. These students will need more guidance and support with independent reading, but I know this is something that I have to start doing more of now so that I can improve student's reading abilities.