If you love reading and have children, you likely want to share that passion with them. In a perfect world, kids would read not just because they have to but simply for the joy of reading.
Why Is Independent Reading So Important?
Reading is how we gain knowledge about everything from science to humanities. It exposes us to new ideas and cultures and helps us think critically about the world around us. That’s why we prioritize helping our young students learn to read through our phonics-based reading curriculum.
We want our students to take the skills they learn in school and transfer them to independent reading. New worlds await them in the form of books and articles. We know that helping children become joyful, independent readers will set them up for greater success at school and beyond.
What Is Independent Reading?
Independent reading occurs when learners spend an extended amount of time reading a book of their choice. Independent reading helps kids feel self-reliant, encourages them to make their own decisions, and fosters a genuine love of reading. Their independent reading book is not something they must read for school; it is something they have chosen to read for fun.
Adults may need to help kids choose books that match their reading level and verify that they understand what they are reading. However, independent reading is mostly a chance for kids to feel free to read without the limits of an assigned text.
Independent Reading Impacts Achievement
While offering a joyful pastime, independent reading can do so much more. Students who engage in independent reading show improved confidence and a better attitude towards learning at school.
When students can choose their books, it helps them take ownership of their reading. They can discover what they do or do not like in a book or identify favorite genres and writing styles.
Engaged, independent readers quickly show improved reading proficiency and get a big boost to their vocabularies and general literacy. Kids can enjoy reading at their own pace and without a deadline.
We sometimes lose sight of reading for pleasure. Life gets busy, and we focus more on set texts or test preparation. But reading for pleasure is not just an indulgent hobby; it should be an essential part of our lives.
Try These Tips to Cultivate a Love of Reading
1. Make Time to Read
Set aside 15 to 20 minutes a day for independent reading. Reading before bed is a great time, especially for older kids. While screen time before bed can spin kids up, reading can calm them down.
2. Lead by Example
Being a joyful, independent reader is not just for kids. It can become part of a shared family experience. Read when your kids are reading and demonstrate how much fun it can be. You could even read the same books as your kids and discuss them together.
3. Visit Your Local Library
Books are expensive, and if your kids become voracious independent readers, they might want more books than you have at home. Head over to your local library, and you can all choose a new book. Librarians can help you pick from a big selection of genres ranging from graphic novels to nonfiction to historical fiction. There will be something for everyone to enjoy.
4. Make a Cozy Corner
It can be easy to get distracted when trying to read. If you create a quiet and cozy reading area away from the TV, everyone will want to curl up there with their book.
5. Keep a Reading Log
Keeping a reading log is a great way to keep track of books you have read and questions or thoughts you had while reading.
A reading log is also helpful if your child is reading something you are unfamiliar with because you can use their log reflections to help start a conversation about their chosen book.
6. Host a Book Related Event
Hosting a book-related event requires more effort, but it can be very fun and meaningful. If your child and their friends have the same interests, you could host a monthly book club and watch the joy of their shared fun through a buddy read. You could facilitate a group discussion afterward.
A book swap is a great, free way to get different books into your home. Everyone brings a fun book they no longer need and lays it out on a table. Then, kids can pick a book from the selection to take home.
7. Attend a Book Event
Check out events at your local library or independent bookstores. There are many free-to-attend seasonal events, author visits, or book festivals throughout the year. These can give your child something to look forward to and pique their interest in reading.
Some annual local events in the area include Decatur’s Children’s Book Festival and the Children’s Book Festival hosted by Fulton County Library.
8. Read Aloud to Each Other
Taking turns reading aloud is a fantastic way to promote independent reading. While you are reading, you are modeling good reading practice. When you listen to your child read, you show them that reading is a worthwhile activity.
Reading aloud also gives you a chance to hear how your child’s reading has improved and how they may need help.
9. Encourage Wider Reading
Choosing books is an essential part of independent reading, but kids can sometimes get stuck in a rut. They may only read a particular author or not know what to pick after finishing a great series.
Encourage your child to broaden their reading horizons by finding comparable authors or suggesting a book of a different genre that is centered on things they enjoy (history, animals, etc.).
A “try it and see” attitude is great for independent reading. Make sure your child doesn’t feel locked into books they genuinely don’t enjoy. This is their fun reading time, so they can move on and try something else.
Infographic
If you love reading and have children, you likely want to share that passion with them. Ideally, kids would read for the joy of it. Check out this infographic for tips on fostering a love of reading.
