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“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you go” 

– Theodore Geisel (Dr. Suess)

A child becoming an “Independent Reader” is important on a number of levels. Children who are able to read independently of adult or teacher input/supervision are encouraged to explore subjects and story lines that most interest them, personally, as opposed to those selected by someone else. Independent reading is voluntary, happens on a child’s preferred schedule, and involves a child’s preferred subject matter.

All sources of instruction and learning are important, but children who are encouraged and prepared to read independently have a great advantage.  Reading, itself, is a strong vocabulary learning aid. Words (that might seem challenging or difficult when shown individually) can make much better sense when used in a sentence or paragraph.  Young students are not only able to surmise meaning from how a word is used in a story, but also how it is spelled and how it might be used in other situations.

The independent reading of interesting stories can also increase the speed at which a child is able to follow the meaning of the words placed in sentences and paragraphs. As their comprehension skills increase, it enables them to read faster and more quickly form mental images of the storyline and where it’s taking them.   

And…independent reading encourages a child to become a self-learner.  There are many aspects to children learning about the world and how it works. Parents (and older siblings) are the best early teachers and, for language learning, they begin the process by repetition and example. Through conversations, reading aloud, and naturally expanding a child’s vocabulary, they prep young minds for their introduction into the learning processes afforded through public schools or homeschooling.  All educational venues are important, but being a good self-learner (i.e., being able to gather and retain information without the help of another person) provides even more learning opportunities and has life-long benefits. 

Finally, good readers have a much better chance of becoming good writers.  Both skills are key in being prepared for school (at all levels), and eventual employment.  To a large degree, how a child (or adult) is able to read, write, and communicate in their given language is a key determinate of where they will, eventually, end up on the economic ladder of life.

~ Roger Hukle

Author, Story Concepts, Editing