Today was Day 1 of RPI and I come away with a lot to think about. The content of today’s session has provided valuable insights into what makes a strong reader and how I can implement effective strategies in my teaching. Several key ideas stood out to me, and I am excited to put them into practice in the classroom.
What Makes a Good Reader?
A good reader possesses a variety of skills that go beyond simply decoding words on a page. Some of the most important qualities of a proficient reader include:
Engagement, enjoyment, and motivation – Students need to be interested in what they are reading. If they enjoy reading, they will read more, and in turn, become better readers.
Comprehension and understanding – Reading is not just about recognising words; it’s about grasping the meaning behind them.
Critical thinking and forming opinions – A strong reader evaluates what they have read and forms their own conclusions.
Finding meaning across different text types – Whether reading fiction, non-fiction, or multimodal texts, a good reader can extract meaning from various sources.
Reading to learn – Reading enhances both world knowledge and vocabulary, making it a critical skill for lifelong learning.
One of the most powerful takeaways from today was the importance of self-efficacy. If students believe they can improve as readers, they will be more likely to persist and develop their skills. As teachers, we need to foster this belief by encouraging and celebrating progress.
Another powerful takeaway was learning about the importance of ‘extended discussion’ and it’s value in good reading practice. It was great to be able to break out into our small groups and practise this ourselves after watching it being modelled in the classroom in a video we watched. The ground rules were clear and effective and this is something I will be more conscious about implementing into my daily programme. Giving students the opportunity to engage, question and challenge themselves in this space is a very important aspect of being a good teacher of reading.
Some other strategies I want to continue to strengthen in my practice include:
Encouraging wide reading – Students should be reading outside of school to build fluency and exposure to different text types.
Providing opportunities for participation – Discussions, group reading, and book clubs can help students engage more deeply.
Linking reading and writing – There needs to be a strong connection between reading and writing in the classroom to reinforce comprehension and literacy skills.
Using multimodal texts – Bringing in various types of texts, including digital media, images, and videos, can help students engage with content in different ways.
Teachers as readers – If we want students to see the value in reading, we must model it ourselves by sharing what we read and demonstrating enthusiasm for books.
Reading Across the Curriculum
A particularly insightful part of today’s session was about integrating reading throughout the school day rather than limiting it to a single reading block. Reading should be embedded across subjects, including science, social studies, and mathematics. This approach ensures students see reading as a tool for learning rather than just a subject on its own.
Another key point was that reading for enjoyment has a significant impact on overall academic success. When students develop a love for reading, their comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills all improve. Encouraging reading outside of the classroom is essential for fostering lifelong readers.
Moving Forward
After today’s session, I feel inspired to be more intentional about how I incorporate reading into my teaching. I want to focus on creating an environment where reading is not just a task but an enjoyable, meaningful experience. By modeling reading habits, connecting reading and writing, and promoting self-efficacy, I hope to help my students develop into confident, motivated readers
