Independent reading for younger kids

I haven’t passed much on for them to do independently (mine are 10, 8, 6, and 3).  I assign them a literature book, one about their reading level (or slightly below).  They read a chapter a day at some point when I’m busy with the other children.   Right now, my 5th grader is reading “Becuase of Winn Dixie” and my 2/3rd grader is reading The Littles.  I rarely have them narrate from this book…we save that for Bible, science, and history readings.  They also read aloud a lesson from a McGuffey reader each week as well as portions of the Bible reading.  I sometimes have them narrate from the McGuffey reading as well.  My 6yo reads aloud daily from a phonics reader since she is just beginning to read…I like to continue this through at least 2nd grade.  We also have a family read aloud, using the SCM literature modules (or other similar books).  I hope to continue these readings through high school!  

I don’t usually pre-read the books…I try to stick to quality books and only pre-read if I think there might be issues with the book.  Sometimes I just quickly scan the pages.  They also read on their own time, usually before bed.  They tend to pick easier picture books or children’s Bibles, which is why I started assigning them a chapter book during lessons.

I generally read aloud the history books since I like my 8yo to listen as well…I may have them do the grades 4-6 books independently next year.

DD12 – completely independent except for spelling; also listens in to family read alouds and family Bible at night

DS9 – mostly independent; I read some history to him; we do spelling and some simple English concepts together. He listens to family read alouds and Bible at night.

DD6 – We will begin 1st in the fall. She reads at a 3/4 grade level (self taught in days – a wonder at my house). I will plan to do most of her 1st grade with her, but I expect that she will want to do some things on her own already. 

Our goal is to create lifelong learners who aren’t dependent on me to tell them what’s next. I set their course for the year and will begin taking more input from dd12 soon, but once that course is set, they’re off. By 4th grade, we expect our kids to be mostly independent. We’re here to answer questions, help work through sample math problems, but the weight of learning is on their shoulders.

DS9 is almost at total independence. He still needs me to redirect him or point him back toward his work when he gets yawn-y or distracted, but he does a great job overall. 

DD almost 8 is less independent, but can still do many things on her own. 

The first thing I passed off to them was beginner reading. We used the Pathway readers, so they would read their next chapter and then come narrate to me. Occasionally, they read aloud to me or each other to work on elocution. This will be our last year to use the Pathway readers, as my children have outgrown them. Next year, I’m assigning various chapter books for them to read independently and narrate. Ds will most likely do written narrations; dd is still narrating orally.

Bible, history, and literature are read aloud by me and done as a family with oral narrations. Each child has their own separate, independent reading for history. When I do teach grammar, that is not independent. I sit down with the child and have a simple, parent-directed lesson twice per week.

When given a list (such as a print off from SCM), both children are capable of pacing themselves and working independently; however, I stay close by to give help when asked or redirect if they become distracted or distract one another. We have decided to keep our home office in our school room, so that I can keep track of the Organizer, browse blogs or Pinterest, or do my own research while they are busy on their schoolwork. I am nearby, but not giving constant help or teaching.