What is one benefit of independent reading for students?

Independent reading offers numerous advantages, and one significant benefit is that it helps students become self-reliant. When students engage in independent reading, they make choices about what to read based on their interests and reading levels, which empowers them to take charge of their learning. This autonomy fosters critical thinking and decision-making skills, as they learn to navigate texts without immediate assistance from teachers or peers.

Self-reliance in reading also translates to other areas of learning, as students develop a more profound sense of agency in their educational experiences. They become more comfortable exploring complex ideas and themes on their own, which contributes to their overall academic growth. This practice cultivates intrinsic motivation, encouraging students to seek out knowledge and comprehend information independently.

In contrast, while decreasing reliance on teacher assistance may seem beneficial, it is not the primary focus of independent reading, which emphasizes exploration and personal growth. Independent reading is not intended to enable students to bypass challenging texts, nor does it directly relate to public speaking confidence; those are separate skills developed through different practices and experiences.