Developing and sustaining foundational language skills: Reading Texts Independently And Sustaining Engagement (TEKS.ELA.6.4)
Texas 6th Grade ELA · Learn by Concept
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Texas 6th Grade ELA › Developing and sustaining foundational language skills: Reading Texts Independently And Sustaining Engagement (TEKS.ELA.6.4)
Mia wants to read for 25 minutes after school without getting distracted.
Which strategy best supports sustained independent reading?
Keep the TV on low so she doesn't miss her show.
Set a timer for 25 minutes, put her phone away, and jot a sticky note after each section.
Flip through pages quickly to finish fast.
Check messages every few minutes as a break.
Explanation
B is correct because it uses metacognitive strategies: a time goal, managing distractions, and active note-taking to stay engaged. Extension: Create an independent reading plan that includes a text choice, a time goal (e.g., 25 minutes), and one strategy you will use. Scaffold: Use sentence frames—"I will read ___ for ___ minutes so that I can ___." "My strategy will be ___ because ___." Enrichment: Compare your plan to strategies authors describe in interviews; note similarities and differences.
Joel is choosing a fantasy novel for the week and wants to build reading stamina.
Which strategy best supports sustained independent reading?
Skim only the chapter titles to say he read.
Read while playing a game for fun breaks.
Leave the book in his backpack and read only when bored.
Preview the book, set a purpose, and read in two focused blocks with a short pause between.
Explanation
D is correct because it reflects metacognitive planning: previewing, setting a purpose, and structuring focus time with intentional breaks. Extension: Write an independent reading plan with your book choice, a time goal, and how you will structure your reading blocks. Scaffold: "I will preview ___ and read for ___ minutes so that ___." "During my short pause, I will ___." Enrichment: Compare your strategies to those used by avid readers in interviews; identify one new tactic to try.
Priya sits in a quiet corner at the library and wants to stay focused.
Which strategy best supports sustained independent reading?
Choose a quiet, comfortable spot, turn off notifications, and summarize each page in one sentence in a notebook.
Keep a tablet nearby to switch to videos when tired.
Count how many pages other students are reading.
Hold the book but think about other chores.
Explanation
A is correct because it uses metacognitive focus strategies: environment control, distraction management, and active summarizing to maintain engagement. Extension: Make an independent reading plan listing your location, time goal, and how you'll summarize or note key ideas. Scaffold: "I will read in ___ for ___ minutes so that ___." "I will summarize by ___." Enrichment: Compare your note-taking to techniques shared by favorite authors in interviews and adjust your approach.
Carlos is starting a new nonfiction article during independent reading time.
Which strategy best supports sustained independent reading?
Bounce between three different articles to keep it exciting.
Read as fast as possible without stopping to think.
Set a clear time goal, preview headings and pictures, and jot key ideas every few paragraphs.
Keep chatting with friends to make reading social.
Explanation
C is correct because it combines metacognitive planning (time goal, previewing) with active monitoring (jotting key ideas), which supports sustained focus. Extension: Draft an independent reading plan with your article choice, time goal, and a note-taking method. Scaffold: "I will read ___ for ___ minutes so that ___." "My strategy is to ___ every few paragraphs." Enrichment: Compare your previewing and note-taking to methods discussed by avid readers in interviews; try one new technique next session.