The SSR Handbook: How to Organize and Manage a Sustained Silent Reading Program

After a summer of reading about reading, my favorite book that I reach for to help me analyze my own SSR program is Janice L. Pilgreen's The SSR Handbook. It is a quick read that describes eight characteristics of highly successful SSR programs. Much of it feels obvious when reading, but in practice I have found it invaluable to help me assess what is really happening in my own classroom. Part of the reason I think this is so valuable is that SSR is designed to be a long-term project. I cannot give an assessment two weeks in a row to see if my teaching of SSR is having the desired impact; instead I have to follow the research and place a certain amount of trust in the conclusions of experts who have studied SSR.

It confirmed much of what I already knew, but will hopefully allow me to offer proof of a good SSR program to administration. Worth the purchase!

Such a wonderful and helpful book! Every teacher of any subject should read it.

Great delivery/service

A well-researched book with a lot of common sense ideas. I now have evidence If my administrator ever says, "Why SSR?"

Janice Pilgreen is an amazing author. I learned so much and have great, new ideas to try in my classroom!

The author, Janice L. Pilgreen, is an ESL teacher in Glendale Unified School District. She tells of her experience implementing an SSR program that is “stacked for success.” After analyzing a number of research studies, she identified Eight Factors for Success: Access to Books, Appeal, Conducive Environment, Reading Encouragement, Staff Training, Non-Accountability, Follow-Up Activities, and Time to Read Daily. She then piloted a program with significant success.As educators, we liked the Eight Factors, as they provide a neat ‘package’ of qualities that are conducive to a successful program. As Pilgreen describes her experience, she intersperses studies and research that support the effectiveness of independent reading. Additionally, she provides interesting tips and strategies to engage readers, as well as appendices that contain reading inventories, questionnaires and responses that are “user-ready” for teachers.

The SSR Handbook, is a compilation and description of 8 guidelines for conducting an effective Sustained Silent Reading Program. If your school is considering implementing or altering your existing SSR program, don't consider doing it without this guide, if you are using an SSR program in your class buy this book.The suggestions and guidelines that are included are common sense based, but it is a common sense that makes you want to say, "Why didn't I think of that?". Success does have a formula and based on the common sense nature of this book, this is the formula.

Great ideas for setting up SSR.

英語多読を授業で始めたい人にはおすすめの良書です。