Writers need to Write and Readers need to Read.

How much time do your students spend actually reading and writing? There is so much research out there that supports the need for independent reading and independent writing with conferencing to become better readers and writers. More than half of your instructional block should be dedicated to independent reading and writing, so students can practice the strategies and skills taught. When we teach a strategy, we have to give opportunities to apply their understanding of the strategy. Imagine taking dance lessons where the instructor explains, demonstrates, and guides you through the dance steps, but you don't practice the steps on your own.

Some people can learn like that (don't get me wrong), but the vast majority of people will need time to practice the steps to make them their own. Independent practice with the instructor looking on, ready to jump in and assist, is a necessary part of performance-based tasks. Reading, writing, listening and speaking are performance based, and independent practice is required to ensure mastery. Structure your instructional time to reflect that belief. ​

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Now wait a minute. This was easy to do in face-to-face settings, but what does this look like in virtual?? Here are some options to consider:

1. Teach your mini lesson. Dismiss students to read or write independently with their cameras on. Meet with individual students in breakout rooms or in another channel. Have the student share their screen and read to you. (Proceed with your reading conference.) Have the student read what they've written thus far, and perhaps hold their writing up to the camera for you to see. (Proceed with your writing conference.)
2. Teach your mini lesson. Dismiss students to breakout rooms or to other channels to read or write independently in pairs or triads. Select one students in each room to share what they're reading or writing with you and their peers (Proceed with conference.)
3. Teach your mini lesson. Dismiss students to work independently offline for a set number of minutes with a task to complete, while you check in with individual students to confer with them.                             

If you have some other ways of providing independent reading and writing with conferring with your virtual students, please share them in the comments.