Independent reading can be defined as “reading children choose to do on their own. It reflects the reader’s personal choice of the material read as well as the time and place to read it. It is done for information and pleasure” (Cullinan, 2000).
While you likely understand the value of independent reading once children are able to read words, did you know that time spent in independent reading in preschool benefits children too? Independent reading allows young children to begin seeing themselves as readers and develops their book handling, print awareness, and early comprehension skills.
Research indicates that many students do not choose to read often or in great quantities. Fostering young children’s love of reading by providing frequent independent reading opportunities early can positively impact their approach to reading, as well as their reading competency as they grow.
Here are 10 strategies that support independent reading in the preschool context:
- explain to children why independent reading is important (how it benefits them)
- explicitly teach children the different ways they can read books (e.g., read the words, read the pictures, be a letter detective) and create a visual to post in the library (e.g., poster with pictures)
- set up an inviting and comfortable independent reading area (e.g., library center)
- equip the environment with additional independent reading opportunities (e.g. use independent reading as a transition choice, add books to classroom learning centers)
- give children specific and positive feedback when they engage in independent reading
- ask children open questions about their independent reading selections
- add books to the classroom library that reflect children’s expressed interests
- include a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction texts representative of both the populations in your classroom and the diversity around the world
- model independent reading (e.g., adopt a Drop Everything And Read (D.E.A.R.) time period in the day during which everyone, including teachers and support staff, spend time reading independently such as the last 5 minutes of the day)
- schedule time for children to share about their text selections (e.g., a weekly “Readers Review” time when children take turns sharing why they chose a particular book; what it is about, and answer peer questions about their book choice, etc.
Be sure to share with families the value of modeling, providing, and supporting independent reading at home and encourage them to engage in independent reading with their children in their home language.
Lynne Hall is a research associate at the Indiana Institute on Disability & Community’s Early Childhood Center. She holds a Master of Science in Education and an Indiana instructional teaching license (Early Childhood Education and Services; Elementary/Primary Generalist; Elementary/Intermediate Generalist). She formerly taught preschool in a variety of settings for over 15 years. Her expertise includes early literacy instruction and inclusive preschool classroom practices.
Email her at hallma@iu.edu
[…] essential skills that will benefit them in school and beyond. When children are empowered to read independently, they are better prepared for the future and more likely to develop a lifelong passion for […]