*The Key Research Findings (Feitelson and Goldstein, 1986):

Light reading provides motivation for more reading.
Students who read books in series are able to develop proficiency and then read more advanced material.
Increased reading proficiency and fluency makes it possible for students to read more complex material. They often choose light reading for independent reading because they enjoy it, and they become more fluent readers in the process.
Basically, there’s nothing like reading for becoming a better reader!
“The single summer activity that is most strongly and consistently related to summer learning is reading. Whether measured by the number of books read, the time spent reading, or regularity of library usage, reading systematically increased the students’ vocabulary scores.” Heyns (1978), 6th graders, summer reading

*In Practice (tips)

Encourage students to develop a reading habit, by beginning with light reading as an entry point to further reading.
*When students can practice reading first with “light” choices, they develop confidence, fluency, and positive associations with reading. As their skills improve, students can scaffold up in level.
Remember, all reading is good reading. Empower readers to choose books and content they find personally interesting: all topics and formats (e.g. graphic novels, blogs…) are fair game!
Build in time specifically for Independent Reading

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