Reading instruction is no small feat. It’s a deeply nuanced process with countless variables that impact how we teach—and how students learn. Reading isn’t a skill that can be “mastered” in the traditional sense; it’s a lifelong journey of continuous growth. As the demands of a reading task shift, readers must learn to apply different strategies to meet those challenges.
Recently, I came across a quote that struck a chord with me:
“Only deliberate practice shows growth.”
I wish I could remember where I found it—if you recognize the source, please let me know so I can give proper credit!
This idea has stayed with me, especially as I reflect on my long-time support of SSR (Sustained Silent Reading). I’ve always valued giving students time to explore books they enjoy and to foster a genuine love of reading. SSR offers many benefits: autonomy, motivation, and the chance to build reading stamina.
But here’s the thing: choice reading alone isn’t enough.
If students’ only reading support is time spent with self-selected texts, their growth may plateau. While SSR can absolutely nurture lifelong readers, it doesn’t always address the specific skills and gaps that hold students back. Without intentional guidance, only some students will grow—others will continue to struggle silently.
I’m not arguing to get rid of SSR. Far from it. What I am saying is this: the most powerful reading instruction is intentional. It identifies barriers to comprehension and works actively to remove them. It asks:
- Where is this student stuck?
- What tool or support can help them move forward?
Right now, my school is focusing on two key pillars of growth: phonics instruction and fluency practice. These are foundational skills, and without them, students face uphill battles with every reading task.
Phonics: Building the Foundation
Students who struggle with phonics need structured, explicit instruction to build decoding skills. Without that base, comprehension is nearly impossible.
Fluency: Gaining Confidence and Stamina
Students who lack fluency may avoid difficult texts altogether—or slog through them without understanding. That’s why we’re leaning into fluency work that challenges and supports students at the same time. Importantly, we don’t shy away from complex texts. Research consistently shows that exposure to complex texts leads to greater gains than sticking to “just right” books.
We give students the tools to rise to the challenge:
- Vocabulary Instruction: breaking down words, connecting definitions to personal experience
- Choral Reading: reading together as a class builds rhythm and confidence
- Partner Reading: students read with peers of similar ability, supporting one another
- Sentence Work: breaking apart sentences to understand structure and meaning
Reading instruction is hard work—and it should be. I’m constantly evolving in how I approach it, and I know that in two years, I might revise everything I’ve said here. That’s okay. The goal isn’t to be perfect.
The goal is to be better than I was the year before.
Progress over perfection. Always.
