May 15, 2022
By Tara Tiyaloglu
Staff Writer
We’ve all been there. You are sitting in a class when all of a sudden, it feels as if your brain cannot process any more information. Your teacher’s words are going in one ear and out the other. Your notes are becoming confusing and too complex to understand. All you want is some time to destress before the process repeats during the next period. To accomplish this goal, the solution is simple: independent reading.
Independent reading occurs when students choose their own reading material for their own enjoyment, and, unfortunately, it does not happen enough in school.
Research has proven that reading strengthens connections in the brain in addition to improving memory and concentration. It may even help a person live longer because the habit is associated with an overall healthy lifestyle. Even 30 minutes of reading can reduce the physical and emotional signs of stress, including heart rate and blood pressure.
Furthermore, the American Library Association links reading habits to higher reading scores on tests. It found that fourth-grade students who read for fun every day score the highest on reading assessment tests. Students who talked about what they read with family and friends on a weekly basis had a higher average score than students who talked about their books once a month or less. The ALAs report shows that independent reading does not just improve one’s health but strengthens one’s academic ability and interpersonal relationships.
Even if you’re reading something unrelated to your class, you’re still using your time wisely.
Even if you’re reading something unrelated to your class, you’re still using your time wisely. Students whose teachers give them class time to read independently will feel more creative, productive and motivated to complete their schoolwork.
Reading a book that one has selected for themselves is enjoyable, but with after-school commitments like sports, homework, jobs and family responsibilities, students do not necessarily have the time to read on their own.
Student choice is always important in education, and that starts with selecting a book and having time in class to read it.
Students who enjoy reading would benefit greatly from 10-20 minutes of independent reading time during class. Therefore, teachers should make it a priority and include it in their class routines.
