Individualized Approach
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The Individualized Approach allows the student to progress at his own rate as he reads from numerous library or trade books. The student meets regularly with his teacher to identify his needs and to discuss what he has read.

Advantages

1. Students select books to read which interest them.

2. Individualized and personalized.

3. Students progress at their own rate.

4. Students share ideas which they have gained from their reading.

5. Individual student/teacher conferences build understanding & trust.

6. Reduces competition among class members.

7. Develops student's self-concept, responsibility, and initiative.

8. Very flexible.

9. Small, temporary groups are formed for skills instruction.

10. Highly motivating.

II. Can lead to creativity in students by opportunities to make projects, write, and share about what they have read.

12. Combines well with other approaches.

13. Can be used with one group and another method(s) used with other groups.

14. Makes reading in the classroom similar to reading in the real world.

Limitations

1. Teacher must be very experienced; she must have a broad of knowledge of children's literature and an excellent grasp of the scope and sequence of reading skills.

2. The teacher must be well organized and able to keep good records.

3. The teacher must have a great number of books available (approximately 5 for each child) which she can change frequently. Needs a good media center and media specialist.

4. Skill development may be insufficient.

5. Difficult to find enough time for individual conferences.

6. Teacher must guide young children to select appropriate books.

7. Students may not read carefully and may not develop good comprehension.

8. It is difficult to have good discussion because a small group does not usually read the same book.

9. It is difficult to keep all students learning while the teacher holds conferences.

10. Discipline may be a problem.

11. Teacher must be able to explain the program to the parents and elicit their support.

12. Teacher must have administrative support and counsel.

13. The extensive record keeping could place a heavy burden on the teacher.

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