For the past several years, I have been a proponent and champion of Stephen Krashen's Free Volunteer Reading theory (FVR). In a nutshell, when children read for pleasure, they acquire nearly all of the following language skills:- They become adequate readers
- Increase their vocabulary
- Learn to understand and comprehend complex grammatical constructions
- Develop a good writing style
- Become good spellers
FVR is argued as the missing ingredient in "language arts" classrooms, for primary language acquisition. Additionally, Krashen presents valid research to support that FVR is a powerful tool for second language acquisition. In the age of Common Core, standardized testing, and curriculum mandated by the state/government, schools are providing less and less time for the simple act of reading in the classroom.
The research is presented. Simply put, FVR is the most effective mechanism for improving literacy across the board.
Stephen D. Krashen is Emeritus Professor of Education, University of Southern California. He has written extensively in regards to the theory of second language acquisition.
