We call our Sustained Silent Reading 'Reading Tub Time'. I ordered primary colored book tubs from Really Good Stuff and numbered the front of them. My students know their number so I do not have to change out names every year. I have also used the large type cereal boxes and they work for awhile before falling apart!

Morning time is the only time my students can change out their self-selected reading books. They know to keep Guided Reading books in the tub but they are also allowed 4-5 self-selected readers (any level, any interest).  My books are very organized by authors, picture books, ABC books, easy readers, nonfiction, etc. in tubs and on shelves. I spend a lot of time at the beginning of the year modeling how to change out books and put them back in the right place for another friend to find. I tell them to ask a friend if they cannot remember where they selected the book from. It works really well but sometimes they get a little mixed up. It never fails though....every year I have a few students who take it upon themselves to be the 'book police' and they let us all know that someone is not putting books back in the right place!

During Book Tub Time, one day the boys have 'secret space' (they can sit anywhere in the room) and the girls sit at their seats. They next day they swap places. They love it and never let me forget who has 'secret space'! I make sure that everyone has used the restroom, had a drink, and that they are ready to read. We start like this from day one so everyone knows the expectations. We do not talk, buddy read, or walk around the room. Of course, I always have a few who test the waters but I stay firm and they usually figure it out. Once we are settled, I pull small groups for guided reading and my parapro circulates around the room to listen to students read. Also, if parents come in they sit and listen to students read.

I also try to do a Community Circle a few times a week right after Book Tub Time. The students sit in a circle and share something from their reading. I tell them it could be a text-self connection, text-text connection, a word they figured out and what strategy they used, a favorite part of the book, a book recommendation to a friend, something they learned from the book, etc. I am always amazed by what they share! They learn the value of reading when they are able to listen to each other and contribute their own ideas.