5 Easy Ways to Launch Your Reading Block with Confidence

The first few weeks of school can feel like a whirlwind, especially when you’re trying to establish routines, build relationships, and get your reading block up and running. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed trying to fit everything in. But the truth is, a smooth start to your reading block sets the tone for the rest of the year—AND it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Here are five easy and effective ways to kick off your reading block with confidence:

1. Focus on Routines Before Content

Before diving into lessons, make sure your students know what to expect during your reading block. Spend the first week modeling transitions, practicing independent reading expectations, and introducing literacy centers or rotations. The time you invest in routines early on will save you time (and stress) later.

Try this: Use a visual slide or anchor chart to display your reading block schedule. Practice it with your students every day so it becomes second nature.

Why create your own, when we created them for you? The Stellar Literacy Collective has your first 10 days of school prepped and ready to go! All you need to do is add to cart and print. Check out the First 10 Days of Reading & Writing on TPT!

2. Start Building Reading Stamina

Your students may not be ready to read independently for long stretches right away, and that’s okay! Focus on gradually increasing their reading stamina. Start with 5–10 minutes and build up to 20–30 minutes over the first few weeks.

Try this: Use a timer and celebrate your class when they hit their stamina goal. Create a classroom graph to track progress together.

Inside the First 10 Days of Reading, we have a scripted lesson, anchor chart, and student stamina tracker ready for you to use!

3. Choose Low-Prep, High-Impact Lessons for Your Reading Block

The start of the year is a great time to review key reading behaviors and introduce comprehension strategies through short, engaging mini lessons.

Try this: The Stellar Literacy Collective Membership includes ready-to-teach lessons aligned to key reading standards and research-backed comprehension strategies. Choose one focus each week and keep it simple. Follow this link to learn more!

4. Get to Know Your Readers

Spend time early on learning about your students’ reading habits, interests, and confidence levels. The more you know about them, the easier it will be to support their growth.

Try this: Use reading interest surveys, goal-setting sheets, or simple conferring questions like, “What’s a book you’ve loved in the past?” or “How do you feel about reading?” These can lead to powerful insights and build trust.

5. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

The beginning of the year is about progress, not perfection. Remember, your reading block doesn’t have to be fully polished by week two. Take small steps, celebrate small wins, and give yourself (and your students) time to grow into the routines.

Try this: End each week with a quick reflection. Ask students to share one thing they learned or one thing they’re proud of in reading that week.

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Bonus Tip: If you’re looking for support planning your reading block, The Stellar Literacy Collective resource membership includes done-for-you pacing guides, whole group lessons, and independent practice that align with best practices and the Science of Reading. Everything you need to start the year feeling confident and calm.

You’ve got this. A strong start to your reading block will set the stage for a successful year of literacy growth!

Take the next steps…

1. Follow us on Instagram for free tips, tricks, and inspiration throughout the school year!
2. Check out The Stellar Teacher Podcast and tune-in weekly for all things literacy with Sara Marye and many special guests!
3. Grab our Word Parts posters on TPT for FREE!