Read Aloud “How to Read a Story” by Kate Messner.   Have students follow the steps from the story: find a book (have an assortment of picture books pre-selected to choose from),  find a reading buddy (you can let them choose or assign, I also have a basket of beanie babies we use as buddies),  find a cozy spot (I have a large carpet, bean bags and cushions), look at the cover, open the book, hold so your buddy can see, sound out words you don’t know and don’t forget to “read” the pictures.   This gives kids a chance to follow the model, interact with classmates, and I can see what books interest them and also get an idea of their reading abilities as I observe.   Re-collect after reading and have students share what they read together.