The Challenge:
Just Read challenges teachers to voluntarily make a commitment to 15- 30 minutes of daily free reading in their classrooms applying the research based best practices of access, choice, and time.

What are Just Read best practices?
​Access: Provide opportunities for students to access the school media center, encourage use of the public library, build a classroom library, and help students build their home libraries. Access also includes the enthusiastic and creative promotion of reading for its own sake.
Choice: Allow students to read regardless of reading level, genre, subject, or format.  This time will also be free of any tests or assignments, and any points or prizes. Allow students to abandon a book they do not like.
Time:  Create a positive atmosphere conducive for uninterrupted free reading on a daily basis during which time the teacher will model reading and observe student engagement. The teacher will note which students are not engaged in reading and help them find books that interest them.

How do we implement these practices?
Commit to a specific time every day for whole class free reading.
Before Just Read Time:
  • Communicate excitement and expectations to students.
  • Give students the opportunity to access books so they will have several reading choices ready.
During Just Read time
  •  No grading papers, checking email, looking at phones, etc.
  •  Observe students to see who is actually reading (but appear to be reading as well…)
  • No shaming students for not reading, but instead take note of who they are so for later conferencing.
  •  Use the lowest level interventions to keep atmosphere conducive for reading.
After Just Read time
  • Have positive conferences with non-readers to help them find books they might like. Give students the opportunity to share about their reading and give recommendations.
  • Give plenty of opportunity for book access.
  • Never Give Up on non-readers!