If you even dip your foot into the research on FVR, or “free voluntary reading”, it sounds like pure magic. As a teacher, the most powerful and effective tool I can wield is something the students do all by themselves? Yes, please!
However, we have all surely had the kid who always has headphones going, sneaking an airpod under that bushy hair or a hood. I have even had parents push back! But my reasons for not allowing music during FVR are well-researched and solid.
THE RESEARCH
Studies (and they are numerous) show that you cannot focus on two things at once (in this case, reading and music). Music has 3 effects: distracting your attention, affecting your arousal level (awake/asleep) and changing your mood.
MUSIC IS HELPFUL FOR
- repetitive or boring tasks
- When done before or during breaks to jump start your mood/attention
MUSIC IS UNHELPFUL BECAUSE IT…
- interferes with complex tasks, particularly long-term memory and reading comprehension
- may make you FEEL more productive, but the opposite is true
MY EXPERIENCE
Research aside, there are plenty of other reasons not to have music on while doing FVR based on my personal experience.
Besides the distraction factor, it is a lot easier to hear if students are doing anything besides reading when it’s dead quiet (ie; whispering, digging in their bags, etc). In classes I *never* thought would be quiet, they are completely silent during FVR. I do it for very short spans – 5-10 minutes maximum, but at least every other day.
Another reason is just the peace it seems to bring. There is a lot of noise in our lives and seldom is it completely silent. It’s almost like a reset button. We all feel so much more calm and relaxed after just 5 minutes of reading in a quiet room. I feel like I’m a better teacher on the days we read.
So the next time you think of putting on some tunes while you and your students are doing FVR, enjoy the silence and get the greatest benefit!
To learn more:
TED talk: What should you listen to when you want to focus?
Is background music a boost or a bummer?
A neuroscientist explains why you should stop listening to music while you work
How music affects your productivity
Storytime con Sra. Jensen 
Agree 1000%! And I see a lot of teachers who play instrumental music during FVR, thinking that that’s different/better since there are no lyrics…and it’s not. The brain is hard at work comprehending messages in another language and we need to provide favorable conditions for allowing the linguistic system to develop behind the scenes!
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