The impact of reading engagement on improving literacy and learning cannot be overstated. A growing body of research shows that reading engagement is a key element in a student's success. Researchers found that learning opportunities generated by engaged readers themselves were roughly equal to several years of education at school.
Tuscaloosa City Schools (TCS) is aiming to build a culture of literacy where reading, writing and literary-based critical thinking activities are woven together throughout the school. This will create the desired culture where literacy skills and a love of reading become the heartbeat of the school.
Engaged readers grow in learning and literacy because they:
- Become immersed in their reading — they read for pleasure, and to satisfy their curiosity
- Discover information and stories that help them learn and achieve
- Get motivated to read and learn more — which makes reading easier and more enjoyable, and creates a 'virtuous circle' of constant improvement.
Simply put, when children have access to good libraries with plenty of good books and adequate staffing, they read more – and when they read more – their reading and learning improve.
