What do personal connections help students to do when reading?

Personal connections allow students to relate the text to their own experiences, feelings, and background knowledge. This connection aids them in drawing conclusions and making inferences since they can reference their own lives to understand themes, motivations, and outcomes presented in the reading. When students connect personally to the material, they engage more deeply with the content, leading to a more nuanced interpretation of the story or text.

For instance, if a student has experienced a significant event similar to that of a character, they may better grasp the character's choices and feelings, allowing them to infer motives and predict future actions based on this understanding. This active engagement enhances critical thinking skills, enabling students to analyze and comprehend the text on a deeper level.