What is Independent Reading?

Independent reading is where students choose their own reading material (fiction books, non-fiction, magazine, other media) for their independent consumption and enjoyment. Independent reading strengthens a student’s reading skills. More reading means more exposure to different vocabulary. Independent readers become more proficient readers and find reading more enjoyable. They continue to read more, increase their skills, and become even better readers (Stanovich, 1986).

It’s not just how much students read that matters. It’s also what they read. Students need to read and be able to understand nonfiction/informational texts in the same way as they do fiction.