Reading and language / literacy development

The first part of the paper focuses on time spent "just reading" versus time spent on the study of grammar and presents evidence that pleasure reading leads to more knowledge in a variety of topics and greater understanding of others. Multiple regression is an important tool used in this analysis to illustrate the method. The study of competence in the subjunctive in Spanish as a foreign language found that "reading" was the strongest predictor, defeating skill-building. Similar results were found in studies of English as a foreign language. A single subject case study of a student from China's Taiwan also provided evidence that self-selected pleasure reading was far more effective than formal instruction and led to substantial gains in English reading. A study of thousands of students in dozens of countries examining predictors of high scores on the PIRLS examination found that more independent reading was related to higher PIRLS scores. Additionally, higher levels of poverty were related to lower performance on the PIRLS, the presence of school libraries was related to higher scores, and more instruction was related to lower scores or had no effect. Studies of spelling showed that spelling can be improved without instruction and is likely developed through reading, and research also provided evidence that literacy development improves among young readers when school libraries are well-supplied with books and have the services of credentialed librarians.

Reading and knowledge

The chapter discusses the impact of reading on knowledge, highlighting that those who read more, including fiction, know more. A major study found that print exposure was the best predictor of general knowledge, and high school grades were a much weaker predictor. Exposure to TV had no value as a predictor of general knowledge. It is reading that counts, not even hard study and homework.

Reading and understanding others

Fiction readers develop more understanding of others and appreciate the complexity of life. Experimental evidence and quotes from public figures support the idea that reading fiction helps in understanding others and the world. Chomsky also appreciated the value of fiction in understanding human life and personality.

Some conclusions

The evidence has accumulated and shown that fiction builds not only literacy but also knowledge of a number of areas and a better understanding of other people. There is absolutely no evidence of any academic benefit from assigning homework in elementary or middle school, and even at the high school level, the correlation is weak. Some researchers suggest replacing homework with self-selected reading, as sustained reading helps children become more proficient readers and might make a substantial difference in achievement.

Implications

The results of the studies show that in every case, self-selected reading outperforms instruction. However, these results are not well known due to being buried in professional journals and being expensive to access. Research also supports the importance of public and school libraries in improving reading outcomes. However, libraries are currently under attack, with book banning and defunding posing a threat. The author suspects that these actions are an attack on libraries and the ability to access books for free, as banning books often leads to increased interest in reading and purchasing the banned books.