It is commonplace to hear teachers and parents encouraging their students/children to read. Reading is always a part of homework, silent reading programs part of the daily timetable and encouraged through events such as the Premiers Reading Challenge and MS Read-a-Thon. So why is reading so important?
- Having strong reading and comprehension skills allows students to perform well in all subjects as this skill is vital across all areas of the curriculum and out in the community
- Reading allows children to develop a broad vocabulary. Readers are introduced to new words and in what context they can be used
- Reading helps to develop a person’s imagination. This helps when it comes to solving problems as a creative approach is often needed
- Reading helps to build strong communication skills which is needed to be successful in this modern world
- Reading helps develop concentration which is extremely important today when people want everything immediately and we expect everything to be fast paced and holding our attention
- Reading allows people to relax and have some quiet time to themselves
- When children read with a parent or loved one it allows for time to be spent together developing a bond through sharing