Is this the Year you Implement SSR in your Classroom?

At the time of this blog post, I’m luxuriating in the joys of summer.  What does this mean for me? Slow mornings with extra coffee (that stays hot!), lots of snuggles and fun with the grandbaby, and extra family barbeques, game nights and time in the pool,  PLUS lots of books that I choose just for pleasure!

Every time I get into that flow of pleasure reading, I’m reminded why I carve out space for Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) in my classroom.  I want my students to experience reading as more than just a school requirement. It can be personal, peaceful, and powerful, and a way to connect, escape, reflect, or reset. When students see reading as something they choose, not just something they HAVE to do, everything changes.

Besides that, reading is good for your brain AND your whole body!  Regular reading has been shown to lower stress, help you sleep better, and even improve your overall health. Some studies even link reading books to living longer, all because reading keeps your brain sharp and your mind engaged.  I’d definitely share these benefits with your students.  I have a ready-to-go resource to make that part easy.  And if you still don’t get student buy-in, you can tell them that some even say that reading makes you more attractive.

So, if you're an ELA teacher looking for ways to boost reading engagement and create a culture of lifelong readers, it might be time to bring back (or refresh) your Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) routine.

What is SSR?

SSR is structured, independent reading time built into your class schedule.  Students read a self-selected book on their grade level that is genuinely interesting to them.  It’s not a reading log. It’s not test prep. It’s a protected time in the week for students to slow down, disconnect, and just read.

The ideal vision of SSR? There is no assessment, no worksheets, no strings attached.  There’s just authentic, uninterrupted reading time.

That said, sometimes due to curriculum demands, admin expectations, or simply needing a way to check in, a bit of structure or accountability is necessary. The key is keeping it light and purposeful, and something that supports the routine without overshadowing it. A quick reflection, a creative exit ticket, or an occasional check-in can do the job without turning SSR into another assignment.  I have more ideas for authentic SSR assessments + 6 ready-to-go exit tickets in this FREE SSR Quick Start Guide. 

How SSR Works in My Classroom

I’ve used SSR in my classroom for years, and while it’s not a magic solution, it’s easily one of the most consistent, low-pressure ways I’ve found to help students connect with reading.  I have to be honest here – I teach honors-level students now, so reading buy-in tends to come a little more easily.  But even when I taught mixed-level and low-level classes, I saw real success in helping students shift from “I hate reading” to “I actually kind of like this book.” With the right structure, encouragement, and book access, even the most reluctant readers can surprise you.

I still remember a student who had never finished a book on his own. I suggested a sports-themed novel from my well-stocked classroom library (thanks mostly to Scholastic Book Clubs points, donations, and thrift store finds).  A few weeks later, he asked if I had more by the same author. That moment stuck with me. Sometimes all it takes is the right book, the right timing, and a little bit of space to read without pressure.

In my classroom, SSR happens every Friday during the last 25–30 minutes of class. It gives students a consistent routine to look forward to and ends the week on a calm, meaningful note. I’ve experimented with other formats (like reading during the first or last 10 minutes of class), but it just wasn’t sustainable for my class because it was hard for me to consistently implement it due to time constraints.

What has worked is dedicating a chunk of time in one class period one time per week.  For me, that’s Fridays. No matter how busy the week gets, I can plan for that block of uninterrupted reading time. It’s a simple way to wrap up the week, and students genuinely enjoy having time to kick back and read without expectations. Bonus: what ELA teacher doesn’t love getting to read DURING contract hours?

Personally, I don’t assess SSR. That said, my students are required to read an independent reading book each nine weeks in connection with our content, and that is assessed in various ways throughout the year.  Students are welcome to use SSR time to read that book if they choose. 

If you’re ready to launch or refresh your SSR routine, I’ve created a free SSR Quick Starter Guide that includes reasons for SSR, student book selection tips, ideas for easy assessment, and 6 creative exit tickets to use with any novel. 

Let’s help students fall back in love with reading one book at a time. 

Coming up in Part 2

Still running into roadblocks? In my next blog post, I’ll be tackling some of the most common SSR challenges like what to do when students forget their book, how to handle “fake” reading, and ways to troubleshoot common issues without derailing your routine. Have an issue you’d like me to address? Be sure to comment below or send me an email at makingelamatter@gmail.com.  Stay tuned!

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