Children need lots of time to read and discover books independently. Providing kindergartners time to interact with appropriate books and materials gives them practice in what they have already learned in the more supportive components of the reading program. When the year begins, kindergartners might just be looking through books and acquiring book handling skills. As the year progresses, children will start having book and poems that they are able and excited to read. Although this is an independent activity, the teacher should be roaming the room and offering support as necessary. This is also a good time to select a focus child or two to do a running record on or to observe.