Mario, an adolescent English-language learner and struggling reader, participated in a university-sponsored summer literacy program. After the program, a follow-up literacy assessment was conducted, and Mario was interviewed about his perceptions of and practices with literacy. The findings of this case study demonstrate the possibility that…

This paper presents three consecutive studies on the effect of extensive reading on the development of reading and vocabulary for Taiwanese university non-English majors. Each study used a different approach, with subsequent studies adjusting the methodology in response to the results of the previous year. These results confirm other findings,…

My goal in this article is to discuss the empirical support for extensive reading and explore its pedagogical applications in L2/FL learning. I argue that the benefits derived from diverse studies on extensive reading in many different contexts are so compelling that it will be inconceivable for teachers not to make it an important feature of…

Sustained silent reading (SSR) is a structured activity designed to allow students to engage in normal reading while in school. Characteristics of SSR include (1) students select their own materials to read, (2) each student reads silently during the SSR time period, (3) the teacher also reads silently, and (4) the period is ended by an informal…

The article questions the increased use of highly structured instructional reading programs for hearing impaired students and suggests there is also a need for holistic approaches, such as the Adaptation of a Sustained Silent Reading approach to develop student skills and interests. (Author/DB)

Explains the use and benefits of silent, uninterrupted, sustained reading periods in elementary and middle grades. Indicates that the method not only improves reading and concentration skills, but allows the teacher to observe diagnostically the readers in his/her class. (DMM)

Describes Sustained Silent Reading and Writing (SSRW), in which students write nonstop for five minutes about that day's silent reading. Notes that students using this strategy begin to use metacognitive strategies to increase their comprehension and make evaluative comments on what they read. (RS)

Describes the use of reading sheets--a single piece of paper where the student notes pages read, date, and a three-line summary of that day's reading--in conjunction with sustained silent reading. (SR)

Reviews research concerning sustained silent reading and lists factors that are important in determining whether such a reading program is successful. (FL)

A study investigated whether sustained silent reading encourages college students to increase their reading rate. Subjects were 76 education majors or students otherwise interested in teaching who were enrolled in an undergraduate course in teaching reading/language arts in a university in the southeastern United States. Subjects recorded their…

This book provides an explanation of sustained silent reading, why it is important, and how to implement it in school and classroom programs. The book presents an overview of underlying research and reviews eight essential factors ensuring a program's success, explicitly identifying them and explaining how they may be incorporated. The factors…

The independent reading program described in this lesson plan gives students time to read what they want to read, share what they have read, and receive the support they need for further reading explorations and reflections. Students will: work in a community of readers and learners, including other class members, family members, their teacher,…

Offers suggestions for recapturing the interest of students in silent reading. (FL)

Describes "Booktime," a modified form of sustained silent reading that produced positive results with first-grade poor readers. (FL)