How does independent reading benefit students?

Independent reading is crucial for students as it enhances fluency, comprehension, and fosters a love for reading. When students engage in independent reading, they practice decoding skills which improve their reading fluency—the speed and accuracy with which they read texts. This practice also allows them to encounter a variety of texts, which aids in the development of comprehension skills as they learn to interpret and analyze different narratives and arguments.

Moreover, independent reading exposes students to diverse genres and writing styles, enriching their literary experience and reinforcing their ability to understand complex texts. As they discover books that resonate with them, their enjoyment of reading can lead to a lifelong habit. This intrinsic motivation and passion for reading can have profound effects on their academic performance across subjects, as a strong foundation in reading is linked to overall school success.

In contrast, limiting exposure to different writing styles, focusing solely on vocabulary memorization, or discouraging critical thinking are not outcomes associated with independent reading, making that choice less effective in representing the benefits it provides.