Required Reading

It is well-known that exposing kids to literature at a young age can benefit their future development greatly. It can foment within them not just imagination or creativity, but an increased vocabulary, worldly knowledge, and even empathy for the people around them. However, contrary to the beliefs of education systems around the globe, it is not beneficial to assign required reading as a way to promote child development. Studies show that forcing young students to read books they have no interest in can actually inhibit the growth of their love for words and reading.

Oftentimes, it seems like the books found on required reading lists are collated in the hermetically sealed rooms of wealthy, old, and oftentimes caucasian, academics. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this process, the books that are chosen don’t reflect the realities of most kids from the modern era.

Handing out the same book, no matter how exemplary a piece of literature it may be, to an eclectic mix of students who operate at different reading levels and originate from a variety of backgrounds and cultures is an unhelpful practice. The hearty, aged novels that grace most reading curriculums nowadays are formidable for young students. They often seem focused on esoteric subjects and portray people and ways of living that are outdated and unimaginable for many children of different incomes and experiences.

To encourage and nurture the development of reading within young students, kids must be encouraged to choose their own books, make their own decisions, and see reading as a gift rather than an obligation.