Independent Reading

What are at least two benefits of independent reading practices? 
The amount of time that learners spend doing independent reading is the best indicator of
achievements and the amount of gain that a student gets from their academics. Independent
reading is beneficial as it builds a reader’s fluency. Evidence shows that unless learners can
effortlessly and accurately meet the demands of word identification during reading, then they are
bound to encounter difficulties in overall reading achievement and comprehension (Meyer et al.,
2008). Also, evidence exists that shows that unless students read considerable amounts of
reading materials, their reading progress is slow, and their efficiency in reading is limited (Meyer
et al., 2008). The good news is that evidence shows that students who engage in considerable
reading of many different texts register an improvement in their reading performance. Practice in
reading builds a student’s fluency. A teacher cannot manage to have a continuous guided reading
with students. Thus, students have to engage in independent reading and practice what they learn
in class. The practice makes them better at reading, eventually making them fluent readers.
Independent reading also increases a student’s vocabulary. There exists a close
relationship between achievement in reading and vocabulary development. Independent reading
is one of the main sources of vocabulary acquisition after a reader has moved past the first stages
of learning how to read (Meyer et al., 2008). Students who engage in frequent independent
reading acquire large amounts of new words every year. The advantage of independent reading is
that the more a reader encounters new words in different contexts, the more their understanding
of the usage and meanings of the new words is enhanced.
What are at least two challenges of independent reading practices?

Independent reading is beneficial but not always easy. Most students engage in
independent reading while away from school in their homes. Most of them have responsibilities
at home, and there is always limited time to engage in independent reading (Amato, 2020). while
at home, most students are tasked with helping their parents around the house. Some engage in
babysitting duties after school, while some help in cleaning the dishes and the house. Students
have to juggle between housework and engaging in independent reading.
Another challenge that students face is the lack of quiet places for reading. The home is,
most of the time, not conducive to reading. At home, there are other children playing, some
crying, visitors, and parents taking, and it becomes hard to read. Homes that lack a study room
present a challenge who would wish to study while at home (Amato, 2020). Most have to wait
until other family members have gone to bed for them to get a quiet space to study. This presents
a challenge as most homes do not provide the motivation that students need to read while away
from school.
What is your own philosophy about providing students independent reading time in
schools? 
Schools must dedicate a certain time for reading, provide room for reading, and make it
clear that reading is a priority. This is my philosophy because I believe that most students fail to
engage in independent reading because they lack motivation. If we do not make time for reading,
then we show students that it is not even necessary. We cannot expect students to engage in
reading away from their classrooms, yet we do not emphasize the importance of doing so. Thus,
I encourage individuals to purchase books and visit the library so often. Also, having a set time
to visit the school library is a good way of encouraging students to study more. When the

behavior is cultivated in school, it becomes much easier for children to develop it more while in
their homes.
How would you organize your class schedule and classroom to accommodate independent
reading?
Independent reading will not automatically appeal to my students. Thus, I will create time
and organize my class schedule and commit time for independent reading. As a teacher in
elementary classes, I will have students in class all day long. Thus, it is easy to have a special
and fixed time, that we will allocate for independent reading (Catapano, 2020). I will allocate
one class period daily for students to read. Also, I will model it to the students. Thus, while they
are reading, I will also be reading so that they can learn it from me. I will not expect them to be
looking at me read throughout the period, but we will all take a book each, and read
independently. I will also emphasize on time for independent reading. Thus, when it is time for
independent reading, we will all put everything else aside and read. Also, I will have a well-
arranged classroom library, where students will pick books from when it is time. Also, for
accountability, I will have in-class observations, where I will scan my eyes around the room to
ensure that everyone is reading. Overall, I will cultivate a reading culture in my classroom.

References

Amato, J. (2020). Top 7 challenges students face as readers. Retrieved 14 April 2020, from
https://jarredamato.wordpress.com/2016/05/10/top-7-challenges-students-face-as-readers/
Catapano, J. (2020). 5 Teaching Strategies to Facilitate Independent Reading. Retrieved 14 April
2020, from https://www.teachhub.com/5-teaching-strategies-facilitate-independent-
reading
Meyer, B., Haywood, N., Sachdev, D., & Faraday, S. (2008). What is independent learning and
what are the benefits for students. Department for Children, Schools and Families
Research Report, 51.