Sustained Silent Reading ( SSR )

Definition of sustained silent reading (ssr)

A form of school-based recreational reading, or free voluntary reading.

Goals and Benefits of SSR
Light reading can be a powerful conduit to more difficult reading
“(Cho and Krashen, 1994)”

Increase student reading proficiency

Comprehension

Build a belief in self as a better reader

Achievement

Improve student motivation to read

Make reading for pleasure acceptable (secondary level)

Increase outside (home) reading for pleasure

Increase the range of resources for pleasure reading

Develop lifelong love of reading

Facilitate overall language development

Oral,Written

8 Factors for SSR Success
The SSR Handbook by “Janice L. Pilgreen”

Access to books, Book Appeal, Conducive, environment, Encouragement to Read, Non-accountability, Distributed time to read, Staff training.

Follow-up activities

1. Access to Books

Trade books, magazines, comics, newspapers etc.

Materials are provided directly to students

Develop classroom libraries ( grants, PTA, garage sales, book clubs, book fairs )

Rotate materials

Book Exchanges/Trades

Regularly scheduled trips to libraries (school & community)

Interlibrary loans

Students not required to bring something from home to read (MAKE IT EASY FOR THEM!)

2. Book Appeal

Offer materials that are interesting

Use an Interest Inventory with students

Use teen book lists

Variety of genres

Include read-along books and tapes

Self-selection is crucial in order to develop a sense of ownership and purpose

Offer a range of readability levels

Display materials attractively

When asked, help a student find a good book match

3. Conducive Environment

Provide a quiet, uninterrupted environment

Seating that is not cramped

Homey furnishings may add to the appeal but are not required.

Posters, pictures

Rugs, pillows, lighting, comfort seating, plants

Play soft music (only if accepted by everyone)

After silent reading students may be given time to share their reading informally with friends

4. Encouragement to Read

Share the research findings with students—it’s good news

Adult modeling of reading

Share personal habits of reading

Move from desk and sit with students as you read

Share books that you are reading

Need all staff support to encourage students to engage in free reading.

Special time with teacher after SSR to discuss the materials read

Teacher read-aloud after SSR followed by sharing and discussion

SSR followed by sharing “good parts” with friends

Parent involvement

Input in development of the SSR program

Suggested ideas to support at-home reading

5. Staff Training

Develop roles as active facilitators in helping students connect with books

Present current literature on benefits of SSR

Establish practical guidelines

Teach strategies for linking students with books

Highlight importance of all adults “buying into” concept of free reading

Provide support and opportunity to work together to build the program

6. Non-Accountabilty

Provide a non-evaluative atmosphere

No requirements related to productive tasks or follow-up language work

Students allowed to stop reading a book if they find it uninteresting and encouraged to pick up another one.

Emphasis is on the pleasure of reading

7. Follow-up Activities

Goal is to sustain student excitement about books they are reading in a non-evaluative setting

Peer discussions, literacy circles,

Book sharing, peer read-alouds

Might need to develop a waiting list

Sell book choices to others

News anchor

Design book covers

Use art, music, science, role - playing

8. Distributed Time to Read

Give between 15 –30 minutes of reading time

Minimum of twice a week

Goal is for free reading to become a habit

Effects of SSR
as seen in the Library

Greater circulation

Fewer over-dues

Students requesting help finding another good book

Running out of books for certain students

More interlibrary loans

Greater use of community library-students signing up for library cards.