LESSON 1: READING AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE

WHAT IS READING?

To develop a deeper understanding about reading, here are some of the

definitions from various authorities.

1. “Reading is not an invariant skill, that there are different types of reading skills
that correspond to the many different purposes we have for reading”. ​–David
Nunan, 1989

2. Reading is an interactive process in which the reader's prior knowledge of the

world interacts with the message conveyed directly or indirectly by the
text.—​Smith, 1995

3. Reading is useful for language acquisition. Provided that students more or less
understand what they read, the more they read, the better they get at
it. ​–--------Harmer, 2007

4. Reading is a constant process of guessing, and what one brings to the next is
often more important than what one finds in it. In reading, the students should be
taught to use what they know to understand unknown elements, whether these
are ideas or simple words.​ — Grellet, 2004
​

5. Reading is the construction of meaning from a printed or written message. It

means the construction of meaning involves the reader connecting information
from the written message with previous knowledge to arrive at meaning and
understanding.–​Bamford, 1998
 6. Reading is decoding and understanding written texts. Decoding requires
translating the symbols of writing system (including Braille) into the spoken words
which they represent. –​Cline et.al, 2006

SIGNIFICANCE OF READING

​One of the basic reasons why reading is important is that it helps you grow
mentally, emotionally and psychologically. Every book gives you an opportunity to learn
new things and explore new ideas.

1.Reading improves vocabulary

Consistent exposure to new words, learning their meanings and seeing the context
in which they're used will ​increase​ your mental dictionary. You will have more words
available to use and more ways to use them in conversation and in writing.

2.​ Reading develops better comprehension

Comprehension is acquiring meaning from the text. Comprehension is a complex

higher level skill. Obviously, comprehension is critically important to the development of
a student’s reading. Comprehension is an active process that requires an intentional
and thoughtful interaction between the reader and the text. Vocabulary development is
critical to comprehension.

3.​ Reading develops critical thinking

Thinking is something we do every day, often without being consciously aware of

what we’re doing. Thinking requires experience, knowledge and language to express
thoughts and reading is the process of constructing meaning and comprehension.
Reading improves vocabulary, organizational skills, and the ability to read, comprehend,
and analyze text.

4. Reading improves memory

According to one study, mental stimulation like reading can help

protect memory and thinking skills, especially as you age. The authors even suggest
that reading every day can slow down the late-life cognitive decline. The act of reading
helps to heighten overall brain function and increase memory.

5. Reading improves analytical skills

You can develop your analytical thinking skills over time by

consistently reading more books. Reading stimulates your brain, allowing you to think in
new ways. Being actively engaged in what you're reading allows you to ask questions,
view different perspectives, identify patterns and make connections.
6. Reading helps you socialize

In a world where competition in every walk of life prevails, we need to build a

child’s personality as to have considerable confidence in themselves. Kids who lack
confidence in their early stages often grow up to be shy, and at times suicidal, since
they develop a victim mentality owing to the lack of confidence in their own self. They
find it hard to face even the smallest of challenges life throws at them, instead simply
giving up. Reading books sharpens many skills and all together they’ll build confidence.

7. Reading improves writing skills

Reading exposes us to other styles, other voices, other forms, and other genres
of writing. Importantly, it exposes us to writing that's better than our own and helps us
to improve. Reading—the good and the bad—inspires you.

8. Reading improves writing skills

Reading broadens our imagination by stimulating the right side of our brain. It
literally opens our minds to new possibilities and new ideas helping us experience and
analyze the world through others' lives. ​Reading helps develop the mind and
imagination and the creative side of a person. It helps to improve (vocabulary and
spelling) communication both written and spoken. It plays an important part in building a
good self-image.

WHAT IS DEVELOPMENTAL READING?

Developmental Reading as a branch of reading instruction is designed to support

literacy in a variety of contexts to improve comprehension and decoding
skills. Developmental reading is a comprehensive reading program which consists of
several periods or stages. These periods usually coincide with the developmental
stages of growth of the individual. It is believed that one progresses gradually in
acquiring and developing certain skills.

Watch the following videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqMozc4K4pg