Sustained Silent Reading (SSR)
Sustained Silent Reading (SSR)
Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) is a classroom practice in which students read self-selected texts in a discrete way for a specified period. This technique is designed to improve reading fluency, to promote reading as a habit, and to help students comprehend better through the freedom to read material that interests them.
What are the benefits of Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) for students?
One of the greatest advantages of SSR is the fact that it helps students read fluently and comprehend better, since they can read at their own speed and select the texts they like. A good example of this is a research report where it was found that the students involved in SSR had distinct vocabulary and reading rate improvements when contrasted with those who were not. Moreover, SSR can create a delightful reading atmosphere in the classroom which can, in turn, promote students' reading for lifetime.
How can teachers successfully implement SSR in their classrooms?
For the successful implementation of SSR, it is essential for teachers to set aside a precise timeframe during the school day that is exclusively used for reading. They ought to furnish a cuddly reading environment, permit students to select the reading materials, and communicate the expectations clearly surrounding the reading period. For instance, teachers can adopt SSR by making a short introduction at the beginning of each class (e.g. give 20 credits for students to get lost in their favorite books reader while reading the teacher).
What types of materials are suitable for SSR?
SSR can be composed of different kinds of texts like narrative works, graphic works, and periodicals, as well as, reading informational texts that cover various reading levels and interests, and, thus, they become suitable materials for SSR. Engaging all students with reading is only possible if such types of books are made available. For instance, a class library could have popular series like 'Harry Potter' for readers who are interested in fantasy as well as nonfiction books showing what space and nature are like for the explorers, thus making it possible for every student to discover an interesting book.
How does SSR differ from traditional reading instruction?
SSR varies significantly from the traditional way of reading instruction in that it emphasizes the autonomy of learners and their reading choice rather than the rigid fixed-lesson plan and course materials. For instance, in conventional classrooms, teachers might be interested in some specifically assigned skill or reading, but in this case, SSR enables pupils to select their reading titles that will motivate them intellectually. Unlike a regular reading class that incorporates comprehension questions and assignments after reading, SSR focuses on the pure pleasure of reading with no immediate assessment, thus cultivating love for books.