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March 2009 Newsletter Article 1 |
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The Value of Reading Reading has wide ranging benefits for children of all ages. Reading is critical to a child’s early brain function and speech development. Children should be exposed to books at a young age so that they can become familiar with the alphabet and learn to associate words with sounds. Once they learn how to read, children can benefit in several ways. Children’s books often convey important life lesson, stimulate the reader’s imagination, and introduce kids to age appropriate subject matter. Reading is also important for older children and teenagers. It is particularly useful for learning grammar, expanding vocabulary, developing analytical thinking skills, and enhancing writing skills. Books cover a wide range of literary genres and subject matter, which make them appealing to readers of all interests. Newspapers, magazines, and other periodicals are a widespread source of global and domestic affairs. Nonfiction, fiction, and poetry can take place in the past, present or future, and explore wide ranging themes, from the mundane to the exotic. Books introduce young readers to a wealth of knowledge that can prepare them for adulthood and the world beyond. Despite its benefits, reports indicate a nationwide decline in reading. With the growth of technology today, young people would rather watch television, play on the computer, or play video games than read books for pleasure. As such it is important for parents to monitor what their children are doing in their leisure time. Children who enjoy reading at a young age are likely to continue reading for pleasure when they are older. Currently, between 5 to 15 percent of all school aged children are behind in reading. Studies also show that approximately 75 percent of students who have reading problems in the third grade are still reading disabled in the ninth grade. These figures are problematic because students must be competent readers to perform well in school, succeed on college entrance exams, and ultimately join the work force. While today’s students are busy balancing school, after school activities, and social commitments, they should allot some extra time for reading. Just like playing an instrument, reading is a learned skill that requires daily practice. Reading for 30 minutes everyday can go a long way in advancing one’s reading and writing skills.
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