how do you switch over to independent reading?

I started my kids off by choosing literature for them to read and narrate independently. I chose books I knew they would love and take an interest in. Consequently, that’s how I also transitioned them both to written narration. Once they were reading and narrating well from their literature books, I added in a bit more. History was the next, logical thing to add to their independent reading. I still keep a family history read aloud and a literature read aloud going. When we study a new artist, his biography is a family read aloud, but it’s usually short and finished in one lesson. Science is also a family subject and I read most of that aloud as well. My kids are 10 and almost 9, and this has worked well for us, but I aim to get them more and more independent as we progress. 

In my opinion, if we’re studying something, such as science, as a family, it’s just easier to read it aloud. Otherwise, I’d have to buy 2 of the same books so that they’re not having to wait to read their science. And it gives us something to discuss when we’re all reading the same thing for family subjects. 

We’re switching from SCM to TruthQuest history next year and their reading lists are quite extensive. They’re going to be doing most history reading independently next year, as I have selected books lists for them individually. We still have a few family books, but most are going to be their responsibility to read.