Table of Contents
Introduction
Reading is a transformative skill that transcends the boundaries of language learning and impacts lifelong literacy, cognitive health, and personal growth. In his compelling lecture, Stephen Krashen highlights the importance of free voluntary reading (FVR) as the cornerstone of literacy development.
By advocating for accessible books, intrinsic motivation, and the role of libraries, Krashen’s ideas hold significant value, particularly for English language educators.
However, while his insights are groundbreaking, they leave room to address the role of purposeful and strategic reading in literacy education.
To watch his video about the Power of Reading, jump to the end of this post!
Stephen Krashen’s Ideas on the Power of Reading
Here is a summary of Stephen Krashen’s ideas on the power of reading:
- The Literacy Crisis:
- Media exaggerates adult illiteracy; complete illiteracy is rare, and literacy rates have improved over time.
- Real issue: Rising literacy demands outpace improvements in literacy levels.
- The Importance of Free Voluntary Reading (FVR):
- Reading for pleasure without external pressures (e.g., quizzes or book reports).
- Improves vocabulary, grammar, spelling, writing style, and general knowledge.
- Research Supporting FVR:
- Studies show that sustained silent reading (SSR) programs improve comprehension and vocabulary.
- Long-term FVR builds lifelong reading habits and leads to greater gains.
- Access to Books:
- Access to books is crucial for developing literacy, especially for disadvantaged children.
- School libraries play a vital role in reducing the effects of poverty on literacy levels.
- Critique of Rewards-Based Reading Programs:
- Programs like Accelerated Reader undermine intrinsic motivation to read.
- Extrinsic rewards negatively impact long-term engagement with reading.
- Cognitive and Health Benefits of Reading:
- Reading helps maintain cognitive health and can prevent dementia.
- Bilingualism and reading are among the activities that promote long-term brain health.
The Power of Reading and English Language Teaching
Krashen’s emphasis on FVR aligns with the goals of English language teaching by fostering natural language acquisition and enhancing linguistic competence. Encouraging learners to read materials they enjoy can:
- Expose them to authentic language use in meaningful contexts.
- Build vocabulary and improve grammar intuitively, without formal drills.
- Cultivate intrinsic motivation, making the language-learning process more engaging.
English educators can integrate Krashen’s ideas into their teaching by:
- Providing diverse reading materials tailored to students’ interests and proficiency levels.
- Promoting reading as a stress-free, enjoyable activity rather than an academic chore.
- Leveraging school libraries and digital resources to ensure access to books.
Reading Comprehension Strategies and Krashen’s Ideas
While Krashen champions the power of FVR, his concepts lack an emphasis on the learner’s agency in reading. To maximize the benefits of reading, educators should explicitly teach strategies that promote purposeful and conscious reading, such as:
- Predicting: Encouraging students to anticipate content based on titles or prior knowledge.
- Questioning: Training learners to ask questions about the text to deepen understanding.
- Visualizing: Helping students create mental images to enhance comprehension.
- Summarizing: Teaching students to distill the main ideas of a text.
- Monitoring and Clarifying: Encouraging learners to self-check their understanding and address confusion.
Integrating these strategies can help educators empower learners to take control of their reading experience, making it both strategic and enjoyable.
More on Reading Comprehension!
Conclusion
Stephen Krashen’s advocacy for free voluntary reading underscores the profound impact of reading on literacy, cognitive health, and language acquisition.
While his ideas provide a strong foundation, adding explicit instruction in reading strategies can further enhance literacy education by fostering purposeful, conscious engagement with texts. For English language educators, the power of reading is not just in its ability to develop linguistic competence but also in its potential to cultivate lifelong learners and passionate readers.
Let us combine access, motivation, and strategy to unleash the full transformative power of reading.
