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…

Students in college basic skills programs will become more proficient writers not simply by being taught specific writing strategies, but also by greater exposure to the total linguistic system through reading. In the first of two reading projects initiated in an Ohio State University basic skills program, eight students participated voluntarily…

Suggestions from readers include a list of 144 practical things to read, and ways to use sustained silent reading in the secondary school classroom. (MKM)

Reviews the history and rationale of uninterrupted sustained silent reading and the research related to the technique. Draws conclusions regarding its effectiveness in reading instruction and its place in the elementary school curriculum. (FL)

Describes the implementation of a version of Sustained Silent Reading (SSR), called the DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) program, throughout their school. Presents their experience with the program in the KWL format (what we KNOW, what we WANTED to know, and what we LEARNED). Provides a bibliography of 12 young adult short stories used in the…

Suggests adding an uninterrupted sharing activity (USA) after uninterrupted sustained silent reading (USSR) to increase students' comprehension and enjoyment of reading. (MG)

Discusses how to use sustained silent reading to encourage elementary students in independent reading. The strategies include making independent reading a key part of every day, being sure students know the strategies they should practice, and concluding independent reading sessions by discussing strategies. The paper presents a list of 13…

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)

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…