Developing and sustaining foundational language skills: Self-Sustained Independent Reading (TEKS.ELA.7.4)
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Texas 7th Grade ELA › Developing and sustaining foundational language skills: Self-Sustained Independent Reading (TEKS.ELA.7.4)
Strategies for sustained independent reading: (1) Set clear time or page goals for each session. (2) Eliminate distractions by silencing and putting away your phone and finding a quiet spot. (3) Use a simple graphic organizer (like a T-chart or source log) to capture main ideas, quotes, and page numbers. (4) Take short, planned breaks between focused reading blocks; mark your stopping point with a bookmark.
You are starting a long Texas history research project that uses several articles and a textbook chapter. Which strategy would best help you stay focused and keep track of information across sources?
Keep multiple tabs open and switch between them while listening to music so you don't get bored.
Use a source organizer to record key facts, page numbers, and quotes as you read each source.
Just tell yourself to read a lot tonight without setting a specific page or time goal.
Skim only the first and last paragraphs of each source to save time.
Explanation
Using a source organizer directly supports sustained reading for a research project by focusing attention and helping track details. The other options either encourage multitasking, are too vague to guide reading, or avoid deep reading of the full text.
Strategies for sustained independent reading: (1) Set time- or page-based goals for each session. (2) Remove distractions by putting devices away and choosing a quiet place. (3) Use a graphic organizer to jot down characters, settings, and key events. (4) Take short, planned breaks after focused reading blocks to recharge without losing your place.
You are reading a novel for your literature circle, and each chapter is long. You get fidgety after about 15 minutes. Which strategy would best support sustained reading through those chapters?
Read while checking notifications so the time feels faster.
Flip ahead to spoilers so you can skip slower parts.
Promise yourself you'll "focus better" next time without setting a plan.
Use timed focus blocks with short, scheduled breaks and a bookmark to note your stopping point.
Explanation
Timed focus blocks with planned breaks help you sustain attention through long chapters without burning out. The other choices add distractions, skip important text, or are too general to be effective.
Strategies for sustained independent reading: (1) Set a goal for how many pages or sections to read before a short break. (2) Eliminate distractions by turning off notifications and choosing a quiet location. (3) Use a graphic organizer (e.g., two-column notes or a concept map) to track headings, key terms, diagrams, and summaries. (4) Take brief, planned breaks to maintain focus over time.
You need to read a science textbook chapter with many subheadings and diagrams, and you want to understand the key ideas and terms. Which strategy would best support focused, sustained reading?
Create a two-column or concept-map organizer to capture headings, key terms, diagram notes, and a short summary for each section.
Keep the TV on for background noise so you don't get bored.
Only read the bolded words and ignore the paragraphs to go faster.
Tell yourself you'll get the gist without using notes or setting goals.
Explanation
A targeted graphic organizer keeps you engaged with structure, vocabulary, and visuals, supporting sustained comprehension. The other choices introduce distractions, skip needed details, or provide no concrete plan.
Strategies for sustained independent reading: (1) Set daily page or time goals and track progress. (2) Eliminate distractions by reading in a quiet place and putting your phone away. (3) Use a simple organizer to note key takeaways after each section. (4) Plan brief breaks between focused reading blocks.
You set a personal goal to finish a biography of a Texas author within two weeks for your independent reading log. Which strategy would best help you stay on track and keep reading every day?
Wait until the weekend and try to read the entire book in one sitting.
Match your friends' reading pace instead of following your own schedule.
Set a daily page or time goal, track it on a calendar, and read in a distraction-free spot.
Browse motivational book quotes on social media while you read to stay inspired.
Explanation
A daily goal with progress tracking and a distraction-free environment supports steady, sustained reading needed to meet a two-week deadline. The other options either encourage cramming, ignore your plan, or add distractions.
Strategies for staying focused during independent reading: 1) Set a clear, short-term goal (pages or minutes) and track progress. 2) Remove distractions by silencing devices and clearing your workspace. 3) Use a simple note organizer (like a two-column chart) to capture headings, terms, and main ideas. 4) Take brief, timed breaks after focused reading blocks.
You need to read a challenging science textbook chapter with lots of headings and diagrams. Which strategy would best help you sustain focus and understand the key ideas?
Multitask by checking your messages every few minutes to stay alert.
Use a two-column note chart to record each section's main idea and important terms.
Set a vague goal like 'I'll try to read more sometime this week.'
Skip the diagrams so you can finish faster.
Explanation
A targeted graphic organizer helps you track main ideas, vocabulary, and visuals, which supports sustained, purposeful reading of a dense textbook.
Strategies for sustained reading during research: 1) Create a source log or graphic organizer with columns for topic, evidence, and page/link. 2) Set a focused session goal (e.g., two articles in 30 minutes). 3) Eliminate distractions by turning off notifications. 4) Take short, scheduled breaks to prevent fatigue.
You are working on a Texas history project about the Texas Revolution and will read several long articles and book chapters. Which approach best supports focused reading while keeping track of what you find?
Keep a TV show on in the background so the reading feels less boring.
Skim only the first paragraph of each source and move on.
Tell yourself to 'work hard' this week without making any plan.
Build a source log/graphic organizer to record key facts and where you found them.
Explanation
A source log or organizer directly supports sustained reading across multiple texts by capturing key information and citations, reducing re-reading and distraction.
Strategies for long fiction reading: 1) Set a realistic session goal (pages or chapters) and time your focus blocks. 2) Use brief, timed breaks between focus periods. 3) Remove distractions (silence phone, clear desk). 4) Jot quick notes or use sticky tabs to mark important moments.
During a novel study, the chapters are long and you lose focus halfway through. Which strategy would best help you sustain your reading and finish the chapter with understanding?
Set a goal to read two chapters using 25-minute focus blocks with 5-minute breaks.
Listen to music with lyrics to make the reading feel more exciting.
Flip to the end of the book whenever you feel bored to see what happens.
Just read whenever you feel like it this week, without any plan.
Explanation
A specific goal and timed breaks (e.g., focus blocks) maintain attention and stamina through long chapters, improving persistence and comprehension.
Strategies for personal reading time: 1) Eliminate distractions by silencing notifications and choosing a quiet spot. 2) Set a clear, short goal (e.g., 20 minutes or one story). 3) Use a simple character/setting note card if details are hard to follow. 4) Schedule brief breaks to reset your focus.
You're reading a collection of short stories by a Texas author for a personal reading goal, but the bus ride is noisy and you keep getting alerts. Which strategy would best support sustained reading in this situation?
Scroll social media between pages to multitask.
Set a semester goal like 'read more books' without a specific plan.
Find the quietest spot you can, silence your phone, and turn off notifications before reading.
Speed through the stories without pausing to think.
Explanation
Eliminating distractions and creating a quiet environment directly supports sustained focus, especially in a noisy setting with frequent alerts.