Typically, the school cafeteria bustles with energy as students scurry to line up for lunch, gather around tables to chatter about weekend plans, or use the time to diligently work on upcoming assignments. However, sophomore Sophie Forster’s lunch periods tend to play out a bit differently from the other students. While being in the midst of a lively atmosphere, Sophie calmly takes her seat and resumes reading A Thousand Steps Into the Night by Traci Chee, gradually tuning out the cafeteria cacophony. For Sophie, this time is reserved for her own independent reading.
Reading has always been a fundamental aspect of every student’s life. From examining speeches in social studies to understanding word problems in math, reading spans across all subjects. With the many lifelong benefits that reading has to offer, it’s no surprise why reading is greatly emphasized by both teachers and parents alike. Reading allows for the personal growth of all students by sparking self-reflection, improving comprehension, and even building up vocabulary. A study conducted by Center for Longitudinal Studies (CLS) found that teens who spent time reading know 26% more words than non-reading teens. Not to mention, reading offers a better understanding of the world around us as different perspectives help to create cultural awareness and cultivate empathy for others. “It [reading] allows us to try on, for a few moments, what it truly means to be another person,” said Maryanne Wolf, UCLA Professor of Education.
While class-assigned books give students the opportunity to experience some of these benefits of reading, an even larger set of advantages arises from dedicating time to independent reading outside of school. Unlike assigned texts, students have the freedom to choose books and explore their genre preferences when independently reading. “For me, I enjoy science fiction novels, while the books we are assigned are usually historical fiction,” said Sophie. Especially since many students have different tastes in genres, independent reading allows them to read books that they can genuinely enjoy.
Additionally, independent reading offers an escape and a mental break from the load of work after school. “With studying and prep, it starts to feel like everything’s kind of coming at you, and sometimes I fold inward,” explained junior Madeleine Lennox. “Reading is just a creative outlet for me, and it’s very relaxing.”
However, finding time for independent reading is never easy for teens as they have packed schedules that continue to persist even after school hours. As a matter of fact, Mrs. Dzwilewski, an English teacher at Great Neck South, describes the ability for students to carve out their own reading time as a “skill.” Balancing sports, clubs, volunteering, and studies is already a lot to manage, making it even harder for students to spare the time for reading. Even so, there are various ways that students have been able to build up a habit of independent reading within their busy schedules.
Before any reading can be done, finding a suitable book that brings enjoyment is an essential first step. Choosing a book that aligns with the reader’s preferences will encourage them to give reading a chance and help to foster a love for it. For those who don’t know where to start, book recommendations can be found by consulting teachers, friends, family, and turning to social media platforms. The website Goodreads also offers personalized book suggestions based on the titles that the reader had previously enjoyed. Even after starting a book, students shouldn’t be afraid to abandon them if they find themselves lacking interest. Recognizing when to find a different book is simply part of the process in allowing the reader to gain insight into themselves.
For many students, treating reading as a mandatory task for the day is crucial in order to make time to read. Doing this could include looking at one’s schedule and finding slots of time to read. For example, reading can be done when waiting for the bus, during a lunch period, or right before bed. “What works for me is to read really early in the morning for about twenty or thirty minutes before school,” said Madeleine.
For many teens, cutting down time spent on social media is the best way to incorporate independent reading in daily life. Rather than spending downtime scrolling through Instagram for hours, reading can be a better source of entertainment while also creating a sense of productivity. “If they [students] even cut back by ten minutes a day and put that toward reading, they could finish a book every quarter,” explained Ms. Hastings, an English teacher at Great Neck South.
In today’s society, the accessibility of technology has also facilitated the inclusion of independent reading in daily life. Many students prefer to use electronic books because they are readily available and easier to carry than physical books, making them a perfect choice for reading on the go. “I read on my phone all the time,” said Sophie. “I can easily read between classes or on the bus without having to take out a book.” Not to mention, students are able to find a wider selection of books online that can be easily accessed with a click of a button.
Especially for those new to independent reading, using audiobooks is another simple way to make time for reading. Students can listen to audiobooks anytime and anywhere without having to take out a physical book, even making it possible to multitask. “When I’m drawing and don’t need to pay attention to what I’m doing, I put on an audiobook and read a book that way,” said Madeleine.
Daily independent reading requires stamina to keep the momentum of incorporating reading into a schedule. Creating a “to-read” list can be helpful in sustaining a continuous flow of reading as there is no uncertainty in what to read next. Many students also find joining a book club as another helpful way to maintain consistent reading because they are being held accountable by a supportive community.
Despite the busy schedules of current teens, the many ways to implement daily independent reading make the process easier and rewarding for students. “No matter how I choose to read in my daily life, independent reading is a step that I need to take in order to make sure my brain is ready for a challenging week of assignments,” added Sophie.
