Independent verses Dependent Readers
Independent readers have strategies that they can rely on to make sense
of text when it becomes difficult. Dependent readers on the other hand
rely on someone else to help them with difficult text.
When the text gets tough…
Independent readers
Dependent readers
Figure out what’s confusing them
stop
Have goals for getting through the
Appeal to the teacher
reading
Use multiple strategies while reading Read on through
the text
Know how to make the mostly
Keep the mostly invisible process of
invisible process of comprehension
comprehension at the invisible level
visible
Dependent Readers are lacking in three areas:
1. Lack cognitive abilities to read independently.
2. Have negative attitudes toward reading.
3. Have no idea what types of books they might enjoy, which authors
to chose, or the range of genres that exist.
Confidence Readers Need
Cognitive Confidence
Allows students to…
• Comprehend texts
• Monitor their understanding
• Determine meaning of words
• Read with fluency
•
•
Social and Emotional Confidence
Allows students to…
• Be willing and active participants
in a community of readers
• Read for enjoyment and
information
• Have a positive attitude toward
reading and other readers
Text Confidence
Allows students to…
Develop the stamina to continue reading difficult texts
Find Authors and genre that interest them
© 2003 When Kids Can’t Read What Teachers Can Do
By Kylene Beers