The Power of Reading
It is often said that reading is power; reading produces knowledge, and knowledge is power. Encouraging students to read at a young age provides them with innumerable opportunities to learn what their interests are and further advance their literacy abilities. Ultimately, increased levels of reading produces better students and more cultured citizens.
More than often, students consider reading as a burdensome activity assigned by school. This perception discourages students from reading outside of class when, in reality, many would enjoy reading and find the benefits of reading helpful. Crucially, extracurricular reading enhances one’s ability to think creatively. Whilst obviously beneficial in art-related classes, thinking creatively is an essential aspect of STEM classes as well. When someone reads a fictional book set in zombie-infested Northern Zambia, they are more likely to imagine themselves within the book and think of creative ideas to survive it if they read more.
Encouraging children to read at a young age is crucial. Reading to children and teaching them to read at a young age enables them to develop a vast vocabulary early-on. According to many researchers, children who frequently read are more likely to achieve a higher score on exams. Additionally, they develop better critical thinking and creative writing skills. Reading also introduces them to many career possibilities and interests; many successful multi-billionaires read several books a week. Not only is it beneficial for children to read, but it is also crucial for adults to read frequently. Cognitive capacities are the quantity of knowledge our brains can hold. As people age their cognitive abilities decrease, making it difficult to retain new information. However, pursuing reading as a recreational pursuit helps maintain one’s cognitive capacity.
Reading allows people to educate themselves and understand more about the world around them. Learning about the economic hardships facing third-world countries through reading books, articles, and reports provides one with a greater understanding of how war can lead to the breakdown of international relations. Reading about period poverty and the pink tax provides one with a comprehensive understanding of the feminist movement. Without a doubt, reading about a wide range of topics provides the reader with the knowledge required to better understand the societal dynamics of the world we live in.
All in all, reading is one of the most important and useful skills a person can learn. Reading provides people of different genders, ages, and races with greater confidence, a better vocabulary and more advanced comprehension. To become more motivated and interested in reading, start with your favourite genre and read at your own pace!
References
Harada, C. N., Natelson Love, M. C., & Triebel, K. L. (2013). Normal cognitive aging. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, 29(4), 737–752. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cger.2013.07.002
Kalb, G. R. J., & van Ours, J. C. (2013). Reading to young children: a head-start in life? SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2267795
Summer reading lists: The importance of reading [Review of Summer reading lists: The importance of reading]. BAOJ Neurology. (2017, July 13). https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Celia_Ross/publication/318663592_Summer_reading_lists_The_importance_of_reading/links/59769081458515e26d25bb57/Summer-reading-lists-The-importance-of-reading.pdf
Why Is Reading Important and the Reasons to Become a Bookworm. (2019, September 8). University of the People. https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/why-its-important-to-read/