books · reading

GET A READING LIFE: Independent Reading Projects

Stacey Shubitz



Up to My Eyeballs in Independent Reading Projects

Originally uploaded by teachergal

My kids filled out their independent reading project proposal forms today. They WOWED me! And now, I have been combing through my bookcases at home trying to find books that will fit the type of work they want to do as they prepare to “Get a Reading Life!”

I didn’t do Independent Reading Projects last year and missed them. It’s truly a wonderful opportunity to watch kids immerse themselves in genres they love and then, subsequently, show-off the thinking work they did by showcasing their project in a variety of ways.

If you’re interested in obtaining a copy of the forms you see pictured in the photograph, then leave me a comment on this post (which is not exactly writing-related!) and let me know and I’ll be happy to send it to you.

Oh, and I promise that my next post tonight will be about writing. However, I’m so engrossed in this work right now, that I just had to write about the reading work that my kids are planning.


Note: My independent reading projects were inspired by Christine Legatta, who is a Staff Developer at the TCRWP. I attended her session on IRP’s in 2006 and thanks to her, received lots of great ideas about how to make these projects work!

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Published by Stacey Shubitz

Stacey Shubitz is a K-6 literacy consultant and former elementary teacher. She is the author of CRAFT MOVES and other professional books on writing workshop. Her forthcoming book, MAKE THE SCHOOL SYSTEM WORK FOR YOUR CHILD WITH DISABILITIES (Guilford Press, 2026), empowers parents to navigate the special education system.

40 thoughts on “GET A READING LIFE: Independent Reading Projects”

  2. I am returning to 5th grade next year, after three years as a teacher on assignment researching various literacy programs. I would love a copy of your independent reading projects. (I also attended TCWRP — a life altering experience!)

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  3. I am looking for something for my advanced 8th graders to do for a reading project that will inspire some creativity. Do you think this project you mentioned is appropriate?

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  7. Good morning. I love your blog and tell other teachers about it all the time. Could please have a copy of your independent reading project forms? Keep up the fantastic work and ideas. Thank you.

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  8. Hi! I’ve been reading your blog for about six months and am inspired by you! I teach sixth grade english and reading and would love to see your independent reading project forms.

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  10. I would love to have a copy of the independent reading forms. We are looking for after school activities to promote reading and writing. Your website has some great ideas to inspire and direct us.

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  18. I love independent reading projects, but am looking for an update to my current assignments. I would love a copy of your assignment/forms. Thanks!

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  20. Pingback: independent reading projects lesson plans

  22. Hey Stacey! I would love to see your forms as well. I teach fourth grade language arts and social studies to gifted and esl students. If you don’t mind sharing, I would love to see a schedule of your readers/writers workshop as well. I just love your blog!

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  24. Hi-I stumbled across your blog a month ago and I love it! I teach 5th grade and would love to see your IR forms–I hope to do IR projects next year!

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  25. been following your blog for quite some time now. Teaching language arts to gifted 10-12 year olds in Singapore for 24 years. Love a copy of your forms to help me work on my reading programmes.

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  30. I have been reading your blog for the past year! I love the excitement you bring to learning. I would love to see the reading projects so that I could use them next year with my class!

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  34. I teach third grade and would love a copy of your forms. Can you tell me more about the project or refer me to a good resource? Thanks for all you do! You inspire me!

    I bought Boomer’s book on memoirs and plan to do those with my students next year.

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  37. I would like to incorporate something like this for next year. I teach second grade. This was my first year implementing reader’s workshop, and I am so happy I took a leap of faith. Thanks for sharing your forms!

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  39. Oh! What perfect timing! I was just designing my project, so I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see your forms!!

    thereadingzone AT gmail DOT com

    Also, I am borrowing your summer adventure packet and modifying it for my grade level. My students move to a new school for 7th grade, but I am interested to see if any of them will complete it and mail/email it to me. Thanks for all the inspiration!!

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