If Youd Like to Know Why Reading Matters
By: Barbara FreedmanDe Vito

Here Are Some of the Reasons Why Reading Is So

Important for Children

Why Do We Tell Children to Read

Were always telling children that books and reading are

good for them but have we ever really thought about why

thats true Exactly what do older children get out of reading

novels What do younger kids get from being read to

Does reading matter

The purpose of this article is to say that yes its true

reading really is important and that there are some solid

reasons why that is so. Lets begin with the practical

benefits and then move on to the less tangible rewards of a

life filled with reading.

Books Help Children Develop Vital Language Skills

Reading is an important skill that needs to be developed

in children. Not only is it necessary for survival in the world

of schools and (later on) universities but in adult life as

well. The ability to learn about new subjects and find helpful

information on anything from health problems and

consumer protection to more academic research into

science or the arts depends on the ability to read.

Futurologists used to predict the death of the printed word

but ironically Internet has made reading more and more a

part of peoples daily lives. The paperless society is a myth.

The computers ability to process and analyze data means

that endless variations on reports and other types of

documents can be and are generated. Internet itself an

enormous new source of information and recreation is

based on the humble written word. To effectively utilize the

web and judge the authenticity and value of what is found

there both reading and critical thinking skills are of prime

importance.

The more children read the better they become at

reading. Its as simple as that. The more enjoyable the

things they read are the more theyll stick with them and

develop the reading skills that theyll need for full access to

information in their adult lives. Reading should be viewed

as a pleasurable activity as a source of entertaining tales

and useful and interesting factual information.

The more young children are read to the greater their

interest in mastering reading. Reading out loud exposes

children to proper grammar and phrasing. It enhances the

development of their spoken language skills their ability to

express themselves verbally.

Reading by way of books magazines or websites

exposes kids to new vocabulary. Even when they dont

understand every new word they absorb something from

the context that may deepen their understanding of it the

next time the word is encountered. When parents read

aloud to children the children also hear correct

pronunciation as they see the words on the page even if

they cant yet read the words on their own.

Reading Can Open Up New Worlds and Enrich Childrens

Lives

As mentioned above reading opens doors doors to

factual information about any subject on earth practical or

theoretical. Given the wealth of available resources such as

Internet libraries schools and bookstores if children can

read well and if they see reading as a source of information

then for the rest of their lives they will have access to all of

the accumulated knowledge of mankind access to all of the

great minds and ideas of the past and present. It truly is

magic !

Through books children can also learn about people and

places from other parts of the world improving their

understanding of and concern for all of humanity. This in

turn contributes towards our sense that we truly live in a

global village and may help us bring about a more

peaceful future for everyone. This can happen through

nonfiction but perhaps even more importantly reading

novels that are set in other places and time periods can give

children a deeper understanding of others through

identification with individual characters and their plights.

Through stories and novels children can vicariously try out

new experiences and test new ideas with no negative

consequences in their real lives. They can meet characters

who theyll enjoy returning to for comforting and satisfying

visits when they reread a cherished book or discover a

sequel. Books also give kids the opportunity to flex their

critical thinking skills in such areas as problem solving the

concepts of cause and effect conflict resolution and

acceptance of responsibility for ones actions. Mysteries

allow children to follow clues to their logical conclusions

and to try to outguess the author. Even for very young

children a simple story with a repetitive refrain or a simple

mystery to solve gives a confidence boost. Children can

predict the patterns and successfully solve the riddles.

Children are influenced by and imitate the world around

them. While a steady diet of violent cartoons may have a

detrimental effect on childrens development carefully

chosen stories and books can have a positive influence on

children sensitizing them to the needs of others. For

example books can encourage children to be more

cooperative to share with others to be kind to animals or to

respect the natural environment.

Reading Can Enhance Childrens Social Skills

Although reading is thought of as the quintessential

solitary activity in certain circumstances reading can be a

socializing activity. For example a parent or grandparent

reading a story aloud whether from a traditional printed

book or from an ebook can be a great opportunity for adult

and child to share some quiet relaxed quality time together

away from the rush and stresses of the business of daily

living. They share a few minutes of precious time plus they

share the ideas that are contained in the story. In addition

older children can be encouraged to read aloud to younger

ones as a means of enhancing their relationship.

At school or at a library story hour books can bring

children together and can be part of a positive shared

experience. For some preschoolers this may be their

primary opportunity to socialize and to learn how to behave

around other children or how to sit quietly for a group activity.

Make the most of this experience by encouraging children to

talk about what theyve read or heard.

Reading Can Improve HandEye Coordination

It may sound funny but ebooks