What role does the teacher play during independent reading time?

During independent reading time, the teacher plays a crucial role in providing support and guidance to students. This involves facilitating a conducive reading environment by helping students select appropriate texts, monitoring their engagement with the material, and offering targeted assistance as needed. The teacher may engage with students to check for understanding, ask probing questions to encourage deeper thinking about the text, and provide strategies for tackling challenging vocabulary or concepts. This supportive role empowers students to develop their reading skills and fosters a sense of independence in their literacy journey, encouraging them to take ownership of their learning. The emphasis is on creating a safe and encouraging space where students can explore texts at their own pace, rather than directly assessing their performance or reading alongside them.