Picture this: a high school student voluntarily reading—not because it’s required, not because there’s a quiz, but because they want to. Sounds like a dream, right? For the educators and school librarians who participated in our recent roundtable, it’s reality.
Across the country, these high schools prove that independent reading can thrive in even the busiest, most tech-driven school environments. The secret? A mix of school-wide commitment, creative incentives, and student-driven enthusiasm.
Why Independent Reading Matters in High Schools
We all know the benefits: students who read independently have stronger comprehension skills, expanded vocabularies, and—surprise!—they enjoy reading more. But the reality? High schoolers often see reading as another assignment rather than a source of enjoyment. With packed schedules, screens competing for attention, and the perception that reading is just another “to-do,” making time for independent reading takes effort.
The good news? High schools across the country are cracking the code. Here’s how they’re doing it:
1. Make Reading a School-Wide Priority
Independent reading isn’t just an English class requirement—it’s a vital part of a school’s culture. Schools like Lubbock Cooper Liberty High School and Wheeler High School have made independent reading a non-negotiable part of the day.
- At Lubbock Cooper Liberty HS, library visits are built into English class schedules, ensuring students get time to browse, check out books, and, most importantly, read.
- Wheeler HS takes it further by setting aside daily independent reading time in class. It’s not optional, and students know they’ll always have time to read a book of their choice.
Takeaway: When reading becomes part of the school’s DNA, students stop seeing it as an obligation and start seeing it as a habit.
2. Get Teachers and Administrators on Board
School-wide reading initiatives only work if the whole team is on board. Both Lubbock Cooper Liberty High School and Flanagan HS have successfully involved educators beyond just English teachers.
- At Lubbock Cooper Liberty HS, department heads work together to set shared reading goals, making literacy a school-wide mission.
- Flanagan HS offers professional development sessions on incorporating independent reading into various subjects, ensuring all teachers are reading champions.
Takeaway: If students see that teachers across subjects value reading, they’ll be more likely to buy in.
3. Use Incentives (Yes, They Work—Even for Teens!)
Who says high schoolers aren’t motivated by prizes? Creative incentives are keeping students engaged at Lubbock Cooper Liberty HS and Flanagan HS:
- Lubbock Cooper Liberty HS secured grants for fun prizes like Lululemon gift cards. Because who doesn’t want to read their way to new athleisure?
- At Flanagan HS, students compete for a traveling reading trophy and other rewards, keeping the friendly competition alive.
- “The Hoard” at Wheeler HS is a treasure trove of small prizes sourced from Amazon and Dollar Tree, including stickers, pens, and fidgets.
- Chaparral HS kicks off a yearlong reading challenge, and the top classes win the ultimate teen-approved prize: free food, aka a hot dog party!
Takeaway: Motivation isn’t one-size-fits-all. A little incentive, whether it’s bragging rights or a tangible prize, can go a long way.
4. Leverage Technology to Keep Students Engaged
Tech isn’t the enemy of reading—it can be a key motivator. Flanagan HS and Wheeler HS use platforms like Beanstack to track reading and keep students engaged.
- Flanagan HS logs reading minutes across different formats—print books, audiobooks, and e-books—ensuring students can engage however they prefer.
- Wheeler HS keeps things fresh by launching themed challenges throughout the year, making reading feel like an interactive experience rather than a solo task.
Takeaway: Meet students where they are. Digital tracking and interactive challenges make reading a dynamic and social experience.
5. Empower Students to Lead the Charge
Nothing makes reading cooler than seeing peers get excited about it. Schools that tap into student leadership find that reading culture grows organically.
- Flanagan HS enlists teacher assistants to promote reading challenges, ensuring students hear about them from someone other than their teacher.
- Other schools encourage students to share book recommendations on social media, making reading feel relevant and shareable.
Takeaway: Give students ownership of reading culture, and they’ll bring their peers along for the ride.
Final Thoughts: What Schools Can Learn
Independent reading in high schools isn’t a lost cause. It just takes intentional effort. The schools leading the way show us that a thriving reading culture happens when schools:
✔️ Make reading a priority with dedicated time and school-wide initiatives.
✔️ Get buy-in from educators to reinforce that reading is valuable.
✔️ Use incentives strategically to keep students engaged.
✔️ Incorporate technology to track progress and make reading interactive.
✔️ Empower students to drive the excitement.
With the right approach, independent reading can be more than just another assignment—it can become a lifelong habit. And if that means a few Lululemon gift cards along the way? Hey, whatever works!
Looking to drive reading motivation in your high school? Contact our team today to get started.