PAUS Learning Commons News

PAUS Learning Commons News
Posted on 10/24/2016

Written by Ms. Marianne Bees, Library & Technology Specialist

Why Reading is So Important

Naturally as your school librarian, I believe that reading is fundamental, but I am not the only one who has this philosophy. According to the NEA article entitled, “Facts About Children’s Literacy”, the U.S. Department of Education found that, generally, the more students read for fun on their own time, the higher their reading scores (2016). Typically middle school aged children should be reading for pleasure at least 30 minutes per day. Does your child carve out time to read?

Not only does reading expand the repertoire of the subject you are reading about, but it also allows the reader to learn a new perspective, step into someone else’s skin and feel empathetic to the conflicts that may exist in other people’s lives.

Reading helps us to think in varied and unexpected ways, and also extends our thinking in new directions. According to Devon Corneal (2016) who blogs about the importance of reading explains that reading is important because it:

  • Improves concentration
  • Builds neural pathways
  • Teaches children new language, improves their vocabulary and leads to more highly developed language skills
  • Makes the reader smarter
  • Can encourage the reader to be more empathetic
  • Encourages creativity, develops a child’s imagination!
  • Provides entertainment Is relaxing to the body and mind while also being quite enjoyable!

Need more convincing on the topic? Check out the BBC series on “Why Reading Matters”.

Finding Time to Read
Strong readers find the time in their daily schedule to read. How do they do this? First, they always have a plan. They have a book at hand - whether it’s on their phone, Kindle or a paper copy in their backpack, they always have something to read. Why do you think they carry it with them? Well, that’s because there are times during every day where you can plug in some reading. For students that might be while waiting at the bus stop, on the bus, or after you finished some work in class. I find that I’m often reading while waiting to pick up my kids in the car or waiting in a long line at the store. Anywhere you can fit in a little reading is great! Those reading minutes really add up!

References

Carter, Rita. "Why Reading Matters". Top Documentary Films. N.p., 2016. Web. 6 Oct. 2016.
Corneal, Devon. "More Than Words: Why Reading Matters For Kids | Brightly". Brightly. N.p., 2015. Web. 6 Oct. 2016.
"Facts About Children’s Literacy". NEA. N.p., 2016. Web. 6 Oct. 2016. 

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