At Ash Fork High School, English classes for grades 9-12 have embraced a transformative approach to reading that fosters a love for books and storytelling. Each quarter, students participate in an independent reading project designed to encourage exploration and choice, requiring them to read a total of 300 pages. The key to its success lies in its simplicity: students choose what they want to read, empowering them to discover their personal preferences and develop a lifelong habit of reading.
From Reluctance to Passion
The freedom to choose their books has proven to be a game-changer for many students. Jocelyn, a participant in the program, offered simple yet profound advice for those who don’t enjoy reading: “If you don’t like reading, you’re just not reading the right book.” This sentiment captures the essence of the program, which encourages students to explore genres and styles until they find stories that resonate with them.
Students who once avoided reading are now embracing it, often surprising themselves. By tapping into their interests, they’re discovering books that speak to them, whether it’s through thrilling adventures, heartfelt dramas, or thought-provoking mysteries.
The Importance of Reading Start to Finish
A significant component of the program is the emphasis on reading entire books rather than fragmented texts. Students are encouraged to commit to a book from beginning to end to fully engage with its themes, characters, and plot.
Taylor reflected on the value of this experience, saying, “I think it is important to finish a book from start to finish because otherwise you may not learn the full lesson. It’s an experience.” Holly added, “Yes, I do think it’s important to read a book from start to finish because it might help you learn from the book. Also, you can learn overall themes, and find character developments, plot twists, or other stuff that might interest you. Plus, it’s nice to see how the book comes together from start to finish.”
Alissa also highlighted the benefits of perseverance: “I think that you should read a book from start to end, especially if you like the book. If you don’t like the book, though, it’s important to at least try to read it beginning to end because you might be able to find interest in it later in the book.”
These reflections illustrate the depth of understanding and personal growth that comes from immersing oneself fully in a narrative, a stark contrast to the superficial engagement often associated with short test-prep passages.
The Power of Pleasure Reading
Research supports what students at Ash Fork High are experiencing firsthand: reading for pleasure has a profound impact on literacy and academic success. Studies show that students who read books they enjoy are more likely to improve their reading skills and overall academic performance. Reading daily, even for just 20 minutes, exposes students to a vast range of vocabulary and ideas, fostering critical thinking and empathy.
Fueling Motivation Through Competition
Adding a competitive edge to the project, classes vie for the most pages read each quarter, logging impressive weekly totals of 700-1,500 pages. This friendly rivalry keeps students motivated and engaged, creating a collective sense of achievement. As one student shared, the competition “makes it fun. You want to read more, not just for yourself but for your class.”
A Lasting Impact
Ash Fork High School’s independent reading project is about more than just meeting page goals—it’s about transforming how students perceive reading and equipping them with the skills and confidence to explore new worlds through books. As Jocelyn wisely observed, finding the “right book” can change everything.
Through choice, perseverance, and collaboration, students are not only achieving literacy milestones but also cultivating a love for reading that will last a lifetime. This initiative is a powerful reminder of the joy and growth that comes from immersing oneself in a great story—from beginning to end.