To help students become proficient readers, teachers should encourage them to activate background knowledge, read for meaning, make connections, visualize, ask questions, and determine importance. Teachers should also help students find engaging books they can relate to, regardless of reading level, and remember that a reader's background knowledge, motivation, and purpose affect their ability to understand text. Frequent reading is important for proficiency, as it separates good readers from poor ones and is directly related to student knowledge, vocal skills, and academic performance.