Reader Types

[Tracy]

Briefly describe the 3 types of readers that Miller sees within her classroom.

[Lindsey]

The first type of reader is the “developing reader”. This student struggles with reading either from inadequate reading experience or a learning disability and for those reasons they are not reading at grade level. This type of reader feels that being a reader is something that is out of their reach rather than something that is completely obtainable. The developing reader is usually one who sees low testing scores and is placed in remedial reading groups where they read a shocking 75% less than their peers in regular reading groups. The less amount of reading that a developing reader does the weaker they become in regards to reading, which widens the achievement gap between developing readers and strong readers.
The second type of reader is a “dormant reader”. This is one who does the minimum reading to get by in his classes but does not find reading to be something that he will do outside of what is assigned. Dormant readers need positive, enthusiastic reading role models in their life, because they view reading as work and not something that could be enjoyable. These readers are often overlooked because they do pass standardized tests. For the dormant reader it is not about a lack of skill, it is about a lack of interest in reading. The problem with dormant readers could be fixed in something as easy as guidance choosing the right kind of book for them, which would transport them to a different world.
The third type of reader is the “underground reader”. This type of reader is a gifted reader who will read what is assigned for school, but who, mainly, only wants to read his or her own choices. The underground reader is one that teachers often do not see as needing guidance because they are avid readers. Students who are avid readers are usually reading above grade level and the books that a teacher chooses for the whole class to read is usually at or below grade level as to fit the majority of the students in the classroom who are dormant readers.

[Megan]

Developing readers are readers who are not reading at grade level. This kind of reader doesn’t see himself/herself as capable of becoming strong readers. The author explains that she has hope for these kinds of readers. She suggests that these kinds of readers must have support so they can feel success as readers and they must read more and more often. These kinds of readers are usually ones who score low on standardized tests and some have failed at least one state assessment.
Dormant readers are readers who read what is assigned to them and then drop reading during the weekends and summers when reading isn’t required. These kind of readers need to lots of time to read, they must have the ability to choose what to read, and they must be allowed time in the classroom for independent reading. The students who don’t read much but are still able to complete reading assignments run the risk of falling behind students who read constantly.
Underground readers are gifted readers, but they see the reading they are asked to do in school as completely disconnected from the reading they prefer to do on their own. These students are avid readers. These students may find themselves struggle in the classroom because all they want to do is read books that interest them. They check themselves out of what they are assigned to do and put their head in a book.

[Michaela]

The first kind of reader that she discussed was the developing readers. Developing readers are usually readers that don't have much self confidence in their reading ability. These readers are usually at a lower reading level then their grade level should be. They don't have good comprehension of what they are reading and often get discouraged when reading. They are students that have usually failed or scored low on a standardized test. The author said that she did have some hope for these readers and believes with a lot of support that they can become better readers. These students need to read more often and have the support behind them to keep working through it.
Next reader that the author discussed was the dormant reader. The dormant readers don't read unless they have to. They will read what is needed to pass the test instead of also reading for fun. They will not read in their free time or during the summer. These students stop at what is required for them and that is all they read. This is where what she discussed earlier comes into play. These students need to be allowed to pick out their own books and choose what they are interested in reading about. They also need more time to read and to develop the love of reading. This means either more time at home or in the classroom. If these students don't start reading more instead of just to pass the next test or assignment they will become at risk to falling behind. The more you read the better of a reader you become and the better you become at reading comprehension.
The last reader that the author discussed was the underground reader. This student is a person who loves to read. They are usually gifted in their reading ability and want to read whether it is for a school assignment for just for fun. These students would much rather be reading a book then focusing in class and this can cause a problem in the classroom. These readers are above their grade level and can find paying attention in class can be hard when all they want to do is read. They will be pick up books that interest them and not want to put them down until they are done.

[Jaden]

Miller has three types of readers in her classroom: developing, dormant, and underground. I love that she doesn't use negative words such as "struggling" and "reluctant" to describe her readers.

Miller explains developing readers as students who are not reading at grade level for any number of reasons. These students have a hard time understanding the material being read, and most are placed in tutoring programs and reading interventions. Developing readers feel they do not have the ability to become good readers. They spend very little time reading, if any at all, and because of this become weaker readers. Teachers spend most of their time focusing on developing readers to try and improve their literacy.

Millers next reading category is her dormant readers. This can be summed up as students who read just to get by. Dormant readers can be both unmotivated and uninterested. They are able to get passing scores on standardized testing but have no desire to read outside of the classroom. Miller describes reading as work, not pleasure for dormant readers.

Lastly, Miller describes her students who truly enjoy reading as underground readers. These are avid readers who can read for hours upon hours. They have more advanced reading abilities than dormant or developing readers. Underground readers needs may not be met in the classroom because teachers are more focused on encouraging and motivating the developing and dormant readers.

[Jordan]

Miller described what some call "struggling" readers as developing readers. These are the readers who do struggle, don't test well, and spend extra time working with specialists. Miller says what most of them are missing is actually applying what they are learning. Most of these students are given the chance to read daily and to choose what they want to read.

Dormant readers are those that are very capable and may test well, but they don't really enjoy reading. These are the readers that don't read unless they absolutely have to. They are the ones who read what they have to in class in order to get good grades. Most of these readers don't truly enjoy reading because they haven't been given the chance to have a choice in what they are reading.

Underground readers are the students who are always reading. They are often reading their own books at school, even during times that they shouldn't be. These students could have problems in school because they don't get the chance to engage in discussions and apply what they are reading. They sometimes even grow careless about what is going on in class. These students also benefit from having choice in what they read because it is acceptable for them to read their books from home. The teacher can then have them do discussions or other activities and projects with the book they are reading. This will engage them and allow them to grow even further as a reader.

[Karen]

The first type of reader Miller sees in her classroom is the developing reader. These readers are also known as the struggling readers, but that term would make it seem that the students are not capable of being good readers. These type of readers have trouble comprehending reading material, and that shows in every aspect of their lives.
These students do not do well on standardized tests. Therefore, they see themselves as poor readers. I work with some first grade students, and it is heart breaking for me to hear a student say “I am not a good reader.” These students are so very young, and they have already established the idea in their minds that they will never be good readers.
The main reason developing readers struggle is because they read less. It doesn’t matter what kind of extra help they get like resource or tutoring. They need to spend quality time reading if they are going to improve. They may have the ability, but they need the support in order to experience success.
The second type of reader is the dormant reader. These are the reluctant readers. They read to pass classes or to do well on tests. They never read outside of school. They are unaware that books can help them experience the new and exciting lives and worlds of the characters in the books.
I know a family who has three boys. All three are very good in sports, especially baseball. The mom complains that the boys are reluctant readers. She struggles to get them to read outside of school. I told her to get books like “Babe Ruth Saves Baseball” by Frank Murphy, “Who was Jackie Robinson” by Gail Herman, or any other books about baseball. This mom needs to motivate her kids with books that they will truly enjoy reading.
The third type of reader is the underground reader. These avid readers just want time in school to read. They will spend every available minute reading the books that interest them. Their abilities and tastes are so advanced that few teachers modify their lesson plans to include the needs of these gifted readers. Teachers need to appreciate the fact that these students’ reading habits don’t need to be changed. Teachers want all their students to have these type of reading abilities.
The world has a limitless supply of books with interesting characters and exciting new worlds the avid reader can learn about. They only need to be guided, not forced, to read new types of genres outside of their comfort zone.

[Kelsey]

The three types of readers that Miller describes are the developing readers, the dormant readers, and the underground readers.

The developing readers are students who are not reading at grade level, whether it be because of a learning disability or inadequate reading experiences. They are normally labeled as struggling readers and tend to be placed in tutoring groups to help them 'catch up' with the rest of the students in their grade. They tend to have low test scores for reading comprehension. Miller states that the best way to help these students become better readers is to simply have them read every day.

The dormant readers are students who are unmotivated and uninterested in reading. They tend to pass standardized reading tests with flying colors and turn in reading assignments with ease. But when it comes to reading outside of school, they don't do it. They find reading to be boring and forced. I can relate to this because I myself am I reluctant reader. In my free time, the last thing I want to do is pick up a book to read for pleasure because I tend to associate reading with work or school. Miller states that the best way to get these students to fall in love with reading is to make sure they have the opportunity to read books about things that they love or are interested in.

The underground readers are students who are gifted readers but they see the reading they are asked to do in school as completely disconnected from the reading they prefer to do on their own. They just want to read and for the teacher to get out of the way and let them. Growing up, my sister was an underground reader. She was reading books way above her grade level and read 24/7. She did always do the reading assignments given to her in school but did them last minute and with little effort because she didn't want anything taking time from her reading the books she actually loved. Miller states that the key to getting these students to be successful in an academic reading setting is to not put them in a box but grade and assess them on their own capabilities and reading interests.

[Jennafer]

The developing readers are what we would refer to as struggling readers. These are the readers that are below grade level and their standardized test scores often reflect this. They are placed in tutoring sessions to help get to reading level, but this often does not work. They often act as if they are defeated and have given up on becoming a better reader. The best thing to do to help a developing reader is to simply have them read more.

The dormant readers are those who have not been interested in reading books. This would be what most people refer to as reluctant readers. Many times they would rather do anything else than read because it is seen as work instead of enjoyment. The best way to turn around a dormant reader is to find books about things they are already interested in that they can relate to themselves. This makes reading fun and does not put that extra pressure of having to do assignments on the book.

The underground readers are what we would refer to gifted. They are already great readers that are often times bored of what is assigned in the classroom because it conflicts with what they are already interested in, or it is moving at too slow of a pace. The best things to do for these students would be to let them move at their own pace. Allow them to read what they are interested in, but let them know that it will not always be like that and many teachers expect students to read what they want them to read.

[Aknipfel]

Miller explains three types of readers: the developing readers, the dormant readers and the underground readers. Developing readers are those students who are not reading at grade level. These children are usually classified as “struggling and reluctant”. These children are the children who are a little behind, yet they still have the ability to become a strong reader. These are children who are on the same path as the other students; they just need extra support and the opportunity to feel successful with their reading.

Miller describes dormant readers as the children who read to get by. Another words, the children who read to pass classes and pass tests. These are children who read because they have to for assignments. To help these children we need to provide extra time to read, a positive classroom that encourages reading, and the freedom to choose books that they want to read.

Underground readers are readers who want to read all of the time. These are the children who get done reading books early. Underground readers are also readers who read in their spare time.

[Emily]

Miller describes three different types of readers, the developing readers, the dormant readers, and the underground readers.

She says developing readers are students who do not read at grade level due to inadequate reading experiences or learning disabilities. These students do not see themselves as having a ability to become a strong reader. They usually have failed a state assessment and have low standardized test scores. Many of these students are involved in reading intervention programs and tutoring. It is important to remember that these children do have the ability to become strong readers, they need support so they feel successful in reading. It is important for these students to keep reading book after book.

The next type of reader is dormant readers. These students are the children who just read to get by. They read enough so that they pass state tests and get fairly good grades in their classes. These students do not put effort into reading outside of classes though because they haven't found reading to be enjoyable. These children just need to find the right books to make then realize that reading can be fun. Once they find out what books they like, reading will seem more like a hobby instead of a chore.

The last reader type that Miller describes is underground readers. These students love to read, just usually not what they are supposed to read in class. They want to read what they are interested in and do not have interest in reading what the teacher requires. These readers are very advanced, and it is important for teachers to consider their needs in planning curriculum.

[Brittany]

The developing readers are students who do not read at grade level and may have bad reading experiences or a learning disability that troubles them with reading. The student may feel discouraged and think they aren't a good reader because they have failed a state assessment or maybe a low standardized test score. Many students have tutoring or intervention programs though in the chapter it said that even in these programs these students read less than their peers. The key is to keep the students reading and they will gradually approve.

Dormant readers are students who will read for assignments or to learn how to do the homework but after that they don't read in their free time. Most of the time dormant readers find reading for enjoyment a waste of time. I liked how in the chapter they had surveys the students filled out so the teacher could point them in the right direction to look for books and that way the students may get interested in reading for fun.

Underground readers are students who love to read what they want to read. If you give them an assignment to read they won't want to and instead they will read their book that they have or the graphic novel. These readers tend to be ahead of their grade level so teachers need to be aware of the hidden book lovers in their classrooms!

[Claudia]

There are three types of readers.The first is the developing reader. This person is not reading at grade level, and he or she has difficulty understanding what he or she is reading. Developing readers don't see themselves as someone who is capable of becoming a capable reader. The second types of reader is a dormant reader. This is someone who only reads to pass their classes or to do well on standardized test. The last type of reader is someone who wants to do nothing but read. This person is an underground reader.

[Colin]

The three types of readers that Miller sees within her classroom include developing readers, dormant readers, and underground readers. Developing readers are those often classified as struggling readers by others because they are not reading at grade level for whatever reason. Dormant readers are those who read in order to pass their classes but don't really read outside of school. Underground readers enjoy reading and do outside of the classroom, but are not connected to the reading they are asked to do in school.

[Rachel]

She sees developing readers, dormant readers and underground readers. Developing readers are those students who for various reasons have a difficult time with reading. They have not caught up with the average reading level for their grade. These students are generally discouraged with reading and think they cannot read well. These students need to find books that they can read easily and work their way up by practicing reading at school and at home. Dormant readers are the students who are often overlooked in class because they do everything they need to for class and read when they need to but stop there. They don’t continue reading outside of class. These students could lose their reading ability by thinking of reading as too much work or as a school thing. They need to be guided towards reading for pleasure. Lastly, Underground readers are those students who are reading at a high level and are so bored in class that they try and hid their own book they are reading on their own. These students already like to read so trying not to hold them back is the challenge.

[Justin]

In the book The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller, the author describes three types of readers: developing, dormant, and underground. The developing reader is an individual that is still emerging as a reader. This group tends to have lower reading scores and struggle at reading. Miller does not like to use the term struggling reader because of its negative implications. Likewise, I am not sure that I agree with the term that Miller has used to classify this group. While I do believe that it is a step in the right direction, I believe that all of us are ‘developing’ as readers. I am not sure that this term is the best fit. The second group of readers that Miller described were called the dormant readers. I feel that this term describes this group effectively. Dormant readers are individuals that do not struggle with reading at their appropriate age level, but have not discovered the love of reading like the next group has. The next group is called the underground readers. These individuals have developed a true love of reading. Several hours of their day are spent with books. Miller includes herself in this group.

[Amanda]

The first type of reader that was discussed is the developing reader.This reader struggles with reading either because they had a negative experience with reading or they have a learning disability that makes reading difficult. This reader is usually in the slower reading group and often tests low on reading scores.
The second type of reader is the dormant reader. Which I was most of high school. This reader does what they need to in order to get what they have to done or does what they need to to get a decent grade on a reading assignment. Reading does not catch this particular readers eye.
The third reader is the underground reader. Which I think I am now as well as a little bit of a dormant reader to. This reader is a good reader who enjoys reading. They do reading they are assigned with ease as well as read for enjoyment in their free time. These readers are usually further along with their reading skills than average readers of their age because they read so often. They often challenge them selves to read books that are supposed to be to difficult for them and push get them done for excitement.

[Maddie]

The First type of reader is called developing readers. They use to be known as struggling readers. I like this term a lot better because it doesn’t have a negative connotation with it. Developing readers have a lot of difficulties with reading, this may mean not even comprehending the material or understanding the words. They do not typically read at the level they are supposed to. This can make scores lower and there may even be a learning disability associated with this. A lot of times these students fall further behind because they don’t like to read since they have a lot of difficulty with it. I feel as though if I was a student like this and I knew I was so far behind other students I would not have any reason to start reading. It is important to find appropriate books for the developing reader so they can find an interest in reading and not focus on the learning aspect but instead as a fun aspect.
The next type of reader is called dormant readers. These readers are uninterested, they read to pass the class and that is about it. They only read because it is required of them and a lot of times they never find something to read that appeals to them which are why they do not read. This type of reader needs an option given to them. Not just read this book because I tell you too. When forcing this type of reader to read a book they don’t like they assume they hate all books you give them because they don’t have a say in it.
The third type of reader is the underground reader. They read a lot and a lot of times finish early. They have excellent comprehension and love to read outside of class. Even though they love to read they still may have a type of book they like and it is important to pay attention to this and change your curriculum accordingly. All books have something they can teach a student.