By Dr. Bonnie A. Hain, Senior Vice President of Impact
& Elizabeth Rago, Manager of Bids & Proposals
In a previous article, I talked about ways to help kids see reading as a fun, enjoyable activity. This is extremely important because if kids aren’t having fun with reading and getting enough practice, they might struggle to develop the strong reading skills they need—no matter how great the language arts curriculum is.
Today, I want to dive into some ideas for how to carve out time for kids to read independently. Kids these days are busier than ever, with full schedules at home and at school, so finding time for anything can feel like a challenge.
But don’t worry—I’ve got some tips to help make space in those busy days for independent reading, which is key to building lifelong reading skills.
How to Keep Kids Reading At School – Turn Wait Time into Independent Reading Time
Books Everywhere…
Making time for independent reading at school starts with having books available everywhere—whether it’s in the classroom, library, cafeteria, or even the nurse’s and main offices. The more books kids can easily access, the more opportunities they have to read during those spare moments, like while waiting or between activities. Did you know that kids who are exposed to more books at school are more likely to develop a love for reading?
Studies show that access to books plays a huge role in encouraging children to read more. For instance, research from the National Literacy Trust has shown that children who have books at home or access to books in schools are much more likely to develop strong reading habits. In fact, one of their studies found that children with access to books at home read for pleasure more frequently and scored better on reading tests.
Some favorites for young children we include in our Right At School curriculum include:
Dinosaur Lady
Author: Linda Skeers • Illustrator: Marta Alvarez Miguens
An inspiring biography about the first woman paleontologist we read during our DinoRoooars unit.
The Good Egg & The Talent Show
Author: Jory John • Illustrator: Pete Oswald
There are many ways to participate in a talent show. Our friend, the Good Egg, discovers being yourself and helping others is his true talent. We read this during our Variety Show unit to encourage our students to participate in a variety of ways.
Even Superheroes Have Bad Days
Author: Shelly Becker • Illustrator: Eda Kaban
We explore our feelings and breathing techniques to help us during our Superhero unit. others is his true talent. We read this during our Variety Show unit to encourage our students to participate in a variety of ways.
You Be You
Author & Illustrator: Linda Kranz
We follow the journey of a fish exploring the ocean, learning how important it is to recognize and celebrate the similarities and differences in all the fish of the sea. To read and create with this story during our Under the Sea unit.
Me and My Place in Space
Author: Joan Sweeney • Illustrator: Annette Cable
A young astronaut leads us on tour past each planet and onto the stars, sharing fun facts along the way. We start our space exploration unit, Astoranut Academy, with this fun story.
Independent Reading as the go-to Sponge Activity…
When students finish a task early, we typically provide a variety of “sponge” activities–learning activities that are worthwhile that allow students to continue to soak up learning. The goal is to keep students engaged and make productive use of “dead time” without requiring a lot of preparation or materials. Enter – books!
By prioritizing independent reading as the go to sponge activity, you can add many minutes of independent reading time for students.
Settle in and Ease on Out…
As students settle into the morning routine and as they ease out of the school day, we can easily provide 10-15 minutes of independent reading time daily. For example, as students enter the classroom, they could be invited to pick up a book of their choice to read for a few minutes before the bell rings. This allows them to ease into the day with a calm, focused activity.
Similarly, as the day winds down, teachers can create a relaxed environment by encouraging students to read or reflect on something they’ve read during the day. These small, consistent reading opportunities help students build a habit of reading and make it an enjoyable, natural part of their daily routine. Even a short reading session can spark curiosity and foster a love for books, helping students develop stronger literacy skills over time.
Out of School Time–Independent Reading Opportunities
During Before and After Care…
After-school providers can play a key role in supporting children’s literacy by carving out time for independent reading. As you’re selecting your provider, ensure they provide children with opportunities to engage in independent reading every day.
These programs offer a unique opportunity to extend learning beyond the regular school day, giving kids a chance to dive into books at their own pace and interest. For many kids, after-school time is when they can read for enjoyment without the pressure of assignments, making it a great way to nurture their intrinsic motivation to read.
Even 10 minutes of daily independent reading time can make a difference. Encourage children to bring a book with them wherever they go–so they can make use of the time provided and read a book they will enjoy.
Summer Camp…
Summer slide and loss of learning can really hinder student achievement of learning goals, so it’s important to keep children reading during the summer. Look for summer camps that encourage reading during quiet, calm down periods (e.g. most camps , like ours at Right At School, have a 30 minute reflection, quiet time right after lunch to allow for children to digest their food and refresh before heading into afternoon activities).
Partnering with local libraries for summer reading programs is a fantastic way to encourage kids to keep reading while having fun. Many Right At School summer camps partner with local libraries and dive into summer reading challenges that makes reading feel like an adventure, not a chore. This partnership can help ensure that children not only stay engaged with reading over the summer but also develop a deeper connection to books and learning.
In the car…
Providing books for children during car rides is a great way to make travel time both enjoyable and educational. Traditional books and e-readers with fun stories and illustrations can keep them engaged during the drive.
For children who get motion sickness, consider offering other forms of storytelling, such as podcasts or audio-based games, to keep their minds engaged while avoiding the discomfort of reading. The key is to offer a variety of options that match each child’s preferences and needs, making car trips more enjoyable and helping to foster a love for stories and books.
Audiobooks are also an excellent option for all kids, including those who are prone to motion sickness, as they allow children to enjoy a good story without the need to read printed text. Many audiobook apps or services, like Audible or Libby, offer a wide range of titles for all ages.
At the field…
For those of us with two or more children, we sometimes bring everyone out to the athletic field for practices, dance class, or other enrichment activities. While it’s wonderful for children to watch and enjoy their siblings’ successes, it’s also true that children don’t always have the patience to do so.
Create a “Reading Bag”
Pack a small, portable bag with a few age-appropriate books, comics, or magazines that your child enjoys. Having a dedicated reading kit will make it easy to grab and go. Include a variety of genres so they can pick something they’re in the mood for.
Set a Mini “Reading Challenge”
Make reading a game by setting small goals for how many pages or chapters to read before the end of practice. If your child meets the goal, reward them with a small treat or a special activity afterwards. Turning reading into a challenge can make it more exciting.
Don’t forget that night time story…
Reading a story aloud at bedtime is a great way to build children’s literacy skills and simultaneously encourage children to calm down and relax as they get ready for a good night’s sleep. Bedtime reading is a fantastic way to help children unwind. Offering a range of reading materials—like picture books, easy readers, or short stories—gives kids a chance to enjoy a quiet, calming activity before sleep. Encouraging them to read independently, even for just a few minutes, helps strengthen their literacy skills while creating a peaceful bedtime routine.
And don’t forget to read WITH your child. When adults read with children, it not only models good reading habits but also fosters a deeper connection and a shared love of stories. This time together can make reading feel special and reinforce the idea that books are something to be enjoyed.
Whether it’s at school, at camp, at home, or on the go, carving out even just a few extra minutes of independent reading each day can have a lasting impact on a child’s development. These moments of reading—whether it’s in between activities, during quiet time, or before bed—help build vocabulary, improve reading fluency, and strengthen comprehension skills.
The key is consistency.
By making reading a regular part of everyday life, children not only grow academically but also develop a lifelong love for books. The more opportunities they have to engage with stories, the more confident and skilled they become as readers, setting them up for success both in and out of the classroom.
Dr. Bonnie Hain
Dr. Bonnie Hain is an accomplished educator with a demonstrated history of leadership in the education management industry. With a robust background in both elementary and secondary curriculum development, Dr. Hain has demonstrated exceptional expertise in designing and implementing comprehensive professional development programs for educators. Her career is marked by a dedication to enhancing educational practices through research-driven strategies and rigorous evaluation.
Dr. Hain has been instrumental in Right At School’s mission to offer high-quality, safe, engaging, and enriching extended day and after-school experiences with a focus on durable skills. Her commitment to creating meaningful learning opportunities has helped inspire a love of learning and reinforce the support systems that schools rely on. Through her strategic vision and dedication, Dr. Hain continues to impact the educational landscape positively, ensuring students benefit from enhanced learning environments.
