I think many of us English teachers look back fondly on the books we read from our teachers’ classroom libraries. We probably pictured our own in college. But after entering “the real world,” being given a giant curriculum, and told to raise test scores, independent reading time can feel like a pipedream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is independent reading time really worth it? There’s so much else to do. And how the heck can I possibly add it in when I am required to do so much else?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Independent reading time can feel like a luxury in a jam-packed curriculum—but it’s one of the most powerful ways to help students grow as readers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you call it SSR (Sustained Silent Reading), DEAR (Drop Everything and Read), or simply “reading time,” giving students space to read their own books builds skills, confidence, and even classroom community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, a national survey found that while 94% of teachers believe students should have time for independent reading, only 36% provide it daily—usually due to pressure to “cover” curriculum (Education Week, 2017<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n But really, independent reading should be a core part of the curriculum<\/em>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In this post, I’m going to make my case for why I believe adding an independent reading program to your classroom is one of the best things you can do for your students (and yourself!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n