Resources to Protect the Freedom to Read in Schools

Everyone has the right to choose what to read

In celebrating the right to choose what to read, you can help bring new perspectives and more understanding, empathy, and joy to readers in your community. 

These resources highlight why it is important to give kids choice in what they read, what you can do to support and protect their right to choose books from all viewpoints, and how you can help them access relatable, enjoyable reading materials. 

You’ll also find ways to celebrate our freedom to read and get students excited about taking advantage of this fundamental right.

Give Students Choice

There is no real freedom to read without easy access to books and opportunities to read what you want. When students are given choice in what they read, as well as support and time to read, they thrive. 
 
Students are more likely to enjoy books they choose themselves. Provide students with access to a collection of quality reading material from all different genres that is organized and enticing to readers. This could be your classroom library or school library or introduce students to your public library and encourage or arrange regular visits to check out books.  

Kids can be especially motivated to read when the books they choose are books they can keep as their own. Book drives, and organizations like First Book and Reading Is Fundamental can help provide students with new books for personal ownership. Need help finding books to put into the hands of readers? Check out these resources to help you bring free print and online books to qualifying schools and students.

Prioritize Time to Read for Students

To take advantage of the freedom to read, time for reading has to be prioritized. Students need time to read every day in order to progress as readers. Giving students the time to read something that they choose and at their own pace not only gets kids excited about reading, it also helps them build confidence in their reading abilities and encourages them to read more. It can also improve vocabulary, increase comprehension and knowledge, and support development of analytical and critical-thinking skills. If the goal is to develop lifelong readers who revel in their freedom to read, kids of all ages should have time in class to read what they want to read. 

Learn more

• The Power of Choice and Time by Beth Jarzabek 
• NCTE’s Statement on Independent Reading 
• Supporting the Joy & Power of Reading: A Practitioner’s Guide from Scholastic