What role does sustained silent reading play in developing reading skills?

Sustained silent reading plays a crucial role in developing reading skills primarily by increasing the amount of reading that students do, which in turn fosters a love for reading. When students engage in sustained silent reading, they have the freedom to choose texts that interest them, which can enhance motivation and engagement. This practice not only allows for more extensive reading practice but also contributes to improved fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary skills.

By reading a variety of texts, students encounter different writing styles and genres, promoting their ability to understand and analyze content more deeply. The enjoyment that comes from choosing what to read can also lead to habit formation, encouraging lifelong reading practices.

Other options do not capture the broader educational benefits of sustained silent reading. Restricting students to only classic literature would limit exposure to diverse texts, reading out loud to peers might improve specific skills but does not encompass the overall benefits of silent reading, and adhering rigidly to a schedule could detract from the enjoyment and personal connection to reading. Therefore, the emphasis on increased reading volume and enjoyment encapsulates the key advantages of sustained silent reading.