Why Read?

Children are always being told that books and reading are good for them. Have we ever really thought about why that's true? Exactly what do older children get out of reading novels? What are the benefits of reading to younger children? Does reading really matter? Reading is an important skill that needs to be developed in children. Not only is it necessary in schools, but in adult life as well. The ability to learn about new subjects and find information on anything depends on the ability to read. Internet has made reading more and more a part of people's daily lives. Internet itself is a huge new source of information and fun for all ages. Not being able to read makes a computer completely useless. At any given day 24 million kids are logged on the Internet at a time. I like to be on the Internet and I always find things to read about and research. We all have interests and spend lots of time reading about them. The more children read, the better they will become at reading. It's as simple as that. If they enjoy reading about something they are interested in they are more likely to finish it and develop their reading skills. This year in Honors English I have had a very hard time getting all my reading done for the term. I feel it is because I have been assigned to read certain books that are not my type. I really do love to read but things that are entertaining and interesting to me. My mom used to read my favorite books to me. Even to this day I love it when teachers read books to us for class. I have always loved that. It gives me a little more time to think and imagine what is happening. Studies have proven that the more young children are read to, the greater their interest in reading, and the better readers they will be. Reading out loud, helps people to better use proper grammar and phrasing, helps with their language skills and their ability to express themselves verbally. Reading can provide kids and adults with endless hours of fun and entertainment, and the best part is it’s free! It is so easy to go to a public library and borrow free books. Reading also helps the brain in all ages. There is so much learned by reading. Reading books, magazines or surfing websites, exposes kids to new vocabulary. Even when they don't understand every new word, they absorb something from the context that may deepen their understanding of it the next time the word is heard. When parents read aloud to children, the children also hear correct pronunciation as they see the words on the page, even if they can't yet read the words on their own. Did you know that in one week the average American parent and their children spend only 3 ½ minutes in meaningful conversation? A parent reading a story aloud, whether from a book can be a great opportunity for adults and children to share some quiet, relaxed quality time together away from everyday stress. Reading is a crucial skill for children and adults to master. It is an important source of knowledge and pleasure and relaxation that can last a lifetime.