Why Strong Reading Skills Matter for Success in Math and Science

When people think of math and science, they often focus on numbers, formulas, and experiments. Reading skills are not always the first thing that comes to mind. However, at Kente Academy, we have seen that strong reading abilities are just as important for success in STEM subjects as numerical skills.

Reading is the Gateway to Understanding Problems

Math and science problems often begin with a story, scenario, or detailed instructions. If a student cannot read carefully and understand the context, they may miss important details that affect the solution. For example, a physics question might describe the motion of a ball and include hidden clues about forces or direction. Students who can read with precision are more likely to catch those clues.

Science Relies on Comprehension of Complex Texts

From seventh grade onward, science classes introduce more technical vocabulary and complex concepts. Whether students are reading a biology passage about cell processes or a chemistry lab manual, they must be able to interpret and summarize information. Strong reading skills allow students to make sense of scientific terms, connect them to prior knowledge, and apply them during experiments.

Word Problems Build Both Literacy and Logic

At first glance, word problems can feel like one of the trickiest parts of math class. Students often ask, “Why can’t math just be numbers?” The answer is simple: word problems are where math meets real life. They invite students to take a situation written in words and turn it into a problem they can solve using equations, logic, and reasoning.

This process is powerful because it combines two essential skills at once: reading comprehension and mathematical thinking. A student must read carefully, pick out the important details, and ignore the extra information. Then, they must decide what type of math—addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, or more advanced operations—will lead them to the solution.

Literacy Connection

Word problems highlight how closely reading and math are connected. A confident reader can break down the sentences, recognize key words, and visualize the situation being described. For example, if a problem says, “Sarah bought 3 packs of markers with 5 markers in each pack,” a strong reader will know the focus is on the relationship between packs and markers—leading to multiplication.

On the other hand, students who struggle with reading may find themselves stuck before they even reach the math. They might miss important details, misinterpret the context, or feel anxious about not understanding the story being told. That’s why developing strong literacy skills directly supports success in math.

The Math Confidence Boost

When students learn how to translate words into equations, they build confidence not just in math, but in problem-solving overall. They begin to see math as more than memorizing formulas—it becomes a tool to make sense of the world around them. From calculating the cost of groceries to planning travel time, word problems mimic the everyday challenges students will face as adults.

Reading Helps Students Learn Independently

In STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), learning doesn’t stop when class ends. In fact, some of the most important growth happens outside the classroom. Students dive into textbooks, research articles, lab reports, and online resources as they push beyond what’s covered in lectures or assignments.

The ability to read, understand, and evaluate complex texts is what separates students who simply keep up from those who truly excel.

Independent Learning in STEM

A strong reader can do more than follow along in class—they can teach themselves new material. For example, a biology student might read an article about genetics before it’s covered in class, giving them a head start. A math student might explore advanced problem sets online to deepen their skills. A computer science student might follow technical documentation to learn a new coding language.

In each case, reading comprehension is the gateway. Students need to understand vocabulary, recognize key arguments, and connect new information to what they already know.

Why It Matters in College and Beyond

Higher-level STEM courses often expect students to learn independently. Professors may assign hundreds of pages of reading or reference advanced journal articles without breaking everything down in lectures. College students who struggle with reading comprehension often fall behind—not because they can’t understand the science or math itself, but because they can’t navigate the texts that explain it.

Beyond college, careers in STEM require the same skill. Engineers read technical manuals, scientists review research, doctors interpret case studies, and software developers consult documentation. Success isn’t just about equations or experiments—it’s about being able to read, understand, and apply information on your own.

Building Independence Early

The good news is that students don’t have to wait until college to develop this skill. Parents and educators can encourage independent reading habits now. Asking students to:

• Summarize a science article in their own words

• Teach a concept they read about to someone else

• Compare information from multiple sources to check accuracy

…are all strategies that build confidence and independence.

At Kente Academy, we help students strengthen both their literacy and their STEM foundations so they can take charge of their own learning. A student who can read critically and apply knowledge is better prepared not only for high school and college, but also for lifelong success.

Kente Academy’s Approach

We integrate reading skill development into our math and science tutoring sessions. This might include breaking down word problems step by step, discussing scientific articles, or teaching students how to highlight and annotate important details. By strengthening both literacy and STEM skills, we prepare students to tackle any challenge with confidence.

Bottom line: Reading is not separate from STEM success. It is at the heart of understanding problems, applying concepts, and exploring new ideas.

If you want your child to strengthen both their reading and STEM abilities, Kente Academy is ready to help.