Independent reading is becoming a hot topic in classrooms. Teachers are encouraged to allow independent reading time during their daily school routines......

But why is this so important?

As teachers we need to give more opportunities for student choice. Too often we make choices for students. Independent reading allows students to decide what they want to read. They are allowed to pursue their interests and explore new ideas. They are allowed to choose to not finish a book that they started. Giving children a choice makes them stakeholders in their learning.

Independent reading gives children the opportunity to build background knowledge. They can learn and become experts at places or things that they've never seen. This helps them make connections to new things that they learn about, especially in content areas like Science and Social Studies.

Independent Reading gives students the opportunity to apply the skills that their learning during Reading instruction. Without the chance to apply what their learning, students don't transfer these skills into their own reading toolbox and then they struggle when they encounter new harder text.

Independent Reading increases vocabulary. The more words you read in context the more often you are exposed to new vocabulary and concepts. This helps increase overall achievement.

Independent reading encourages students to become lifelong readers therefore lifelong learners. We want students to read, even when there's not a test attached to it. Independent Reading in the classroom lays a foundation for lifelong learning.