![]() This conclusion is consistent with research showing that extrinsic incentives for reading have not been successful, while improving access to books has been successful in encouraging reading. Providing interesting books for children is a powerful incentive for reading, perhaps the most powerful incentive possible. This increased volume of voluntary reading is critical because students who score well on standardized reading tests read far more outside of school than students who perform poorly on such tests (Anderson, Wilson, & Fielding, 1988). According to Krashen (2004), more books in the classroom leads to more voluntary reading, which, in turn, results in higher achievement. In a study of 32 schools in Maryland, for example, Guthrie, Schafer, Von Secker, and Alban (2000) found that an abundance of trade books in the classroom predicted gains on statewide reading, writing, and science tests. This increase in voluntary reading can contribute to gains in reading achievement. For example, Morrow (2003) and Neuman (1999) note that students read 50-60 percent more in classrooms with libraries than in classrooms without them. ![]() Moreover, students are likely to spend more time reading when they are in classrooms with adequate classroom libraries (Allington & Cunningham, 1996 Krashen, 1998 Routman, 2003). Students who have ready access to books in their classrooms have better attitudes about reading, reading achievement, and comprehension than their peers with less access to books in the classroom. Since many students today do not have that access, it is paramount that all children be provided with books in the classroom (Fractor, Woodruff, Martinez, & Teale, 1993).Ĭlassroom libraries provide students with immediate access to books they can provide teachers with the opportunity to put the right book in a student's hands at a moment's notice. Studies of early readers and interviews with avid readers have found that children who love to read almost always have access to books at home. As Routman notes, it is difficult to overestimate the importance of classroom libraries. "Classroom libraries are a literacy necessity they are integral to successful teaching and learning and must become a top priority if our students are to become thriving, engaged readers" (Routman, 2003, p. ![]()
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