The Importance of Reading

The Importance of Reading

Reading to one’s child has always been seen as an important part of being a parent. Young children have traditionally loved to listen to their mother’s voice as she acts out characters in the book. Sitting with dad’s arm around you was one of growing up’s treasured times. Not only from the bonding perspective, but  also from the educational perspective, reading is known to assist children develop language and to enrich their vocabulary and creative abilities.

While the love of books and reading is cultivated in the young child, it is equally important as the child  grows. Involvement with reading activities has significant positive influences on reading achievement, language comprehension, expressive language skills plus attitudes towards reading and attentiveness in the classroom.

Recent research from the National Literacy trust in England found that around 80% of children who had better than expected reading skills had their own books. They also found that  today 36 pupils out of 40 own a mobile phone. Looking at a drop in literacy skills in a sample of 11 year olds, researchers worry that modern technology is having a negative impact on literacy. In other words, they are concerned  that resources are going into buying and maintaining a mobile phone instead of books,  resulting in a drop in literacy skills.

Here are some suggestions to keep your child interested in learning and education

• own books
• buy new books regularly or borrow from the library regularly
• read to young children
• expose older children to books, magazines, newspapers and online articles
• promote reading as a valuable and worthwhile activity
• read more yourself thereby role modelling the behaviour you are encouraging

Do you love reading? Does your child? What are your ideas on the topic?

Renee Mill has written 311 articles on this blog.

• Blog
• Twitter
• Facebook

+ Click for more info about Renee Mill

Read More about Renee Mill here