10 Reasons Why Reading Is Important (for kids AND adults)

I thought it a good idea to give a short (and

concise) list of ten reasons why reading is important. I have these posted in my classroom and
am always encouraging my kids with them. I found this list at:http://www.best-books-for-
kids.com/benefits-of-reading.html.

1. Kids who read often and widely get better at it. This is pretty much just common sense. After
all, practice makes perfect in almost everything we humans do and reading is no different.

2. Reading exercises our brains. Reading is a much more complex task for the human brain than,
say, watching TV is. Reading strengthens brain connections and actually builds new connections.

3. Reading improves concentration. Again, this is a bit of a no-brainer. Children have to sit still
and quietly so they can focus on the story when they’re reading. If they read regularly as they
grow up, they develop the ability to do this for longer and longer periods.

4. Reading teaches children about the world around them. Through reading, they learn about
people, places and events outside their own experience. They are exposed to ways of life, ideas
and beliefs about the world which may be different from those which surround them. This
learning is important for its own sake however it also builds a store of background knowledge
which helps younger children learn to read confidently and well.
5. Reading improves a child’s vocabulary, leads to more highly-developed language skills and
improves the child's ability to write well. This is because children learn new words as they read
but also because they unconsciously absorb information as they read about things like how to
structure sentences and how to use words and language effectively.

6. Reading develops a child’s imagination. This is because when we read our brains translate the
descriptions we read of people, places and things into pictures. When we’re engaged in a story,
we’re also imagining how the characters are feeling. We use our own experiences to imagine
how we would feel in the same situation.

7. Reading helps kids develop empathy. This is something I’ve only recently realised but it
makes sense. As my fifteen-year-old son said to me when we were discussing it, ‘Of course it
does because you’re identifying with the character in the story so you’re feeling what he’s
feeling.’

8. Because reading does all the things I’ve mentioned above, children who read do better at
school. And they don’t just do better at subjects like reading, English and history. They do better
at all subjects and they do better all the way through school.

9. Reading is a great form of entertainment! A paperback book doesn’t take up much space so
you can take it anywhere and you’ll never be lonely or bored if you have a book in your bag.
You can read while  waiting in a queue, while waiting for a
friend who’s running late or during a flight delay at an airport.

10. Reading relaxes the body and calms the mind. This is an important point because these days
we seem to have forgotten how to relax and especially how to be silent.

The constant movement, flashing lights and noise which bombard our senses when we’re
watching TV, looking at a computer or playing an electronic game are actually quite stressful for
our brains. When we read, we read in silence and the black print on a white page is much less
stressful for our eyes and brains.

Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of
counselors, and the most patient of teachers.  -Charles W. Elio- - See more at:
http://inspirationboost.com/8-reasons-why-reading-is-so-important#sthash.pLyKLXHJ.dpuf

If books are to become an important part of your child's world, they must appear to be important to you. It is
difficult to convince a child who never sees his or her parents with a book that reading a pleasurable activity, and
self-education is a worthwhile use of time.

8 Benefits of Reading (or Ways Reading Makes You

Better at Life)
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Photo by celeste
The public library is a phenomena that to this day I still can’t get over. Free knowledge,
for anyone. Literally, anyone. I can’t think of an equivalent other than going to a clothing
store, “checking out” an outfit, wearing the outfit and returning it in four weeks, free of
charge.

Except books are so much better than clothes.

Recently I’ve been on a huge reading kick, checking out anything I can get my hands on
in the library. (I’m writing a guest post on ZenHabits to detail some of the best stuff I’ve
found, so more on that later.)
I’ve found that no matter what I read, the act of reading every day has helped me in
nearly every aspect of my life. Here are a few of my favorite ways that reading has
improved my quality of life, and will definitely improve yours.

1. Enhanced Smarts
Wow, this may be the most obvious statement of the post, right? Well, it turns out that
reading helps in almost every area of smarts. Those that read have higher GPA’s,
higher intelligence, and general knowledge than those that don’t. In Anne E.
Cunningham’s paper What Reading Does for the Mind (pdf version), she found that
reading, in general, makes you smarter, and it keeps you sharp as you age.
No matter what you’re wanting to do or become, you can’t do it without more
knowledge. Reading is an excellent way to get where you’re wanting to go.

2. Reading reduces stress

When I’m reading a book, my mind shifts gears. Where I might have a had a stressful
day, a book can easily distract me. Fiction is fantastic for this. Reading an awesome
fiction book is perfect right before bed time. Though sometimes it’s hard to put the book
down if it’s really good. Still, you’ll be relaxed ;)

Photo by MorBCN
3. Greater tranquility
Reading can soothe like no other. Given that I’m a pretty high-energy person, reading
forces me to sit and be still. This daily act of making myself be quiet and still has been
nothing short of miraculous for my anxiety and my “fidgety factor”.

4. Improved analytical thinking

That’s right, ladies and germs. Cunningham’s studies have found that analytical thinking
is boosted by reading. Readers improve their general knowledge, and more importantly
are able to spot patterns quicker. If you can spot patterns quicker, your analytical skills
receive a boost.
5. Increased vocabulary

Photo by thejbird

It’s no secret that reading increases your vocabulary and improves your spelling, but did
you know that reading increases your vocabulary more than talking or direct teaching?
Reading forces us to look at words that we might not have seen or heard recently at the
pub. In fact, language in children’s books are likely to be more sophisticated than your
average conversation.

Increased vocabulary is especially crucial for bloggers or writers. All successful writers
will tell you that in order to write well, you need to read. Every day. You’ll be surprised at
the words you start incorporating into your writing.

A beefier vocabulary isn’t just for writers though. Knowing what other people are saying
and using the perfect words to convey your feelings is a critical part of being a better
human. Better listeners are more successful in life.

(Side note: If you’re concerned with your well-being at previously mentioned pub, you
might lay off the more obnoxious terms you’ve picked up.)

6. Improved memory
I have an awful memory. Just ask my fiancee. I usually can’t remember what I’ve eaten
for breakfast, let alone things like names and addresss. Yet I’ve been finding that I can
remember stuff much easier when I’ve been reading consistently. Do I have any
scientific data to match this up? Not really. But I’d say it’s a pretty safe bet that reading
has somehow given me memory mojo.
7. Improved writing skills
This isn’t much of a stretch, considering that reading improves vocabulary and critical
thinking. I feel like a better writer, as I’m constantly surrounding myself with works from
people who are better than me. That’s why English classes in High School make you
read “the classics”. That’s why art students learn to copy masterpieces, so they know
what creating something incredible should feel like.
The more you read, the better of a writer you’ll become.

Photo by prosperina*
8. Helps prioritize goals
Many times we’re certain we know what we “really want” in life. Yet I’ve found that
activities like reading show me things I didn’t know about myself. My mind will drift to
things that I’d really like to do, and it isn’t long that these little lapses in reading start to
cycle. The same sort of goals keep popping into my head, allowing me to see what
I really want to do.
For example, I’ve been playing music on a consistent basis, but I’ve always wanted to
produce and distribute my own music. As I’ve been reading, I’ve found that song ideas
and other general thoughts on music keep popping into my head. It’s my times reading
that have really pushed me into giving music a serious go.
When you remove yourself from your work environment, you’ll start to see things that
you might really want to do, that you’re not doing yet. Reading gives you a chance for
your to wander.

No time? No money?
If you think that you don’t have enough time to start reading, you’re wrong. How do I
know? Because we make time for the things that are important to us. How much TV
do you watch? How much time do you spend trawling the web? You could easily
replace reading with those activities.
If you’re worried about the cost of books, check ‘em out at the local library. Most
libraries take advantage of the interlibrary loan system, so you can check out nearly any
book on the planet. I also use Worldcat to find libraries in the area that might have my
book.
There’s really no excuse to start reading on a regular basis. The benefits far outweigh
the costs, and more knowledge never hurt anybody.

10 Reasons Why You Should Read to

Your Kids
What’s the most important trait you’d like to develop in your child? If you’re like most parents,
intelligence is probably at the top of your list. We all want bright, smart children, which is why we
spend so much time choosing the right schools and making sure teachers are exceeding
expectations. But remember: as a parent, you have the power to boost your children's learning
potential simply by making books an integral part of their lives.

We all know reading to our kids is a good thing—but are you familiar with the specific advantages your toddler or
preschool-age child can receive by being exposed to the merits of reading? Below are some benefits that highlight
the importance of reading to your child between the ages of two and five.

1. A stronger relationship with you. As your child grows older, he’ll be on the move—playing, running, and
constantly exploring his environment. Snuggling up with a book lets the two of you slow down and
recaptures that sweet, cuddly time you enjoyed when he was a baby. Instead of being seen as a chore or a
task, reading will become a nurturing activity that will bring the two of you closer together.
2. Academic excellence. One of the primary benefits of reading to
toddlers and preschoolers is a higher aptitude for learning in general. Numerous studies have shown that
students who are exposed to reading before preschool are more likely to do well in all facets of formal
education. After all, if a student struggles to put together words and sentences, how can he be expected to
grasp the math, science, and social concepts he’ll be presented with when he begins elementary school?

3. Basic speech skills. Throughout toddlerhood and preschool, your child is learning critical language and
enunciation skills. By listening to you read One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, your child is reinforcing
the basic sounds that form language. “Pretend reading”—when a toddler pages through a book with squeals
and jabbers of delight—is a very important pre-literacy activity. As a preschooler, your child will likely begin
sounding out words on his own.

4. The basics of how to read a book. Children aren’t born with an innate knowledge that text is read from left
to right, or that the words on a page are separate from the images. Essential pre-reading skills like these are
among the major benefits of early reading.

5. Better communication skills. When you spend time reading to toddlers, they’ll be much more likely to
express themselves and relate to others in a healthy way. By witnessing the interactions between the
characters in the books you read, as well as the contact with you during story time, your child is gaining
valuable communication skills.

6. Mastery of language. Early reading for toddlers has been linked to a better grasp of the fundamentals of
language as they approach school age.

7. More logical thinking skills. Another illustration of the importance of reading to children is their ability to
grasp abstract concepts, apply logic in various scenarios, recognize cause and effect, and utilize good
judgment. As your toddler or preschooler begins to relate the scenarios in books to what’s happening in his
own world, he’ll become more excited about the stories you share.
 8. Acclamation to new experiences. As your child approaches a major developmental milestone or a
potentially stressful experience, sharing a relevant story is a great way to help ease the transition. For
instance, if your little one is nervous about starting preschool, reading a story dealing with this topic shows
her that her anxiety is normal.

9. Enhanced concentration and discipline. Toddlers may initially squirm and become distracted during story
time, but eventually they’ll learn to stay put for the duration of the book. Along with reading comprehension
comes a stronger self-discipline, longer attention span, and better memory retention, all of which will serve
your child well when she enters school.

10. The knowledge that reading is fun! Early reading for toddlers helps them view books as an indulgence,
not a chore. Kids who are exposed to reading are much more likely to choose books over video games,
television, and other forms of entertainment as they grow older.

Books have the power to benefit toddlers and preschoolers in a myriad of ways. As a parent, reading to your child is
one of the most important things you can do to prepare him with a foundation for academic excellence.

12 Scientific Ways Reading Can

Actually Improve Your Life
It prevents Alzheimer’s! Also, it makes you sexier.posted on June 7, 2013 at 5:26pm EDT

Erin La RosaBuzzFeed Staff

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1. Reading can help prevent Alzheimer’s.

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A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that
older people who read regularly are two and a half times less likely to have
Alzheimer’s. While that doesn’t mean reading alone will prevent Alzheimer’s, it
does suggest that there’s a correlation between intellectual pursuits, like reading,
and prevention.
2. Being a reader means you’re more likely to learn
something new, like whether or not your cat is trying
to kill you.

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Anne E. Cunningham wrote a paper called, “What Reading Does For The Mind,”
and discovered that being an avid reader actually does make you smarter. It not
only helps you retain information, but also helps you maintain that knowledge
through old age. Whether or not you’re aware of it, reading fills your head with
new information, and you never know when it will come in handy… Looking at
you, Colonel Meow.
3. People who read are more likely to vote, exercise,
and be more cultural.

J. Emilio Flores / Getty Images

A study by the National Endowment for the Arts found that people who regularly
read are much more likely to be engaged civically and culturally. Which means
reading actually makes you win at life.
4. Reading a book reduces stress, and puts you in a
better mood.

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When you read, it transports you and your worried mind to another place, so you
won’t feel so overwhelmed with the hardships of everyday life. And a 2009 study
found that reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels up to 68%. Read
on, anxious ones!
5. Reading can be therapeutic.

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According to Cristel Russell, a consumer behavior researcher at American

University, reading a book—much like listening to a song, or watching a movie—
can be a way to relive past experiences and gain new perspective. So, if you’re
going through a breakup and read a book in which the characters are
experiencing something similar, it can give you insight.
6. Having trouble remembering where you put those
keys? Reading enhances your memory.
bookshelfporn.com
Every time you read, you create a new memory of what you’ve read—
essentiallyexercising your memory muscles. With each new memory, your brain
forges new synapses, strengthens existing ones, and helps to keep your memory
sharp.
7. Reading actually does make you seem sexier,
especially to women.

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A study found that intelligence—even just perceived intelligence—is one of the

most attractive qualities to women. So, keep your nose in a book and you’ll have
people falling over themselves to try and distract you!
8. Reading helps to boost your analytical thinking.

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That’s right, future lawyers and doctors! The more you read, the better you’re
able to spot patterns, which helps to build those analytical thinking skills.
9. Reading expands your vocabulary, so you’ll sound
like a smartie.

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The more books you crack open, the more words you’ll be exposed to. Those
words will eventually find a place in your own vocabulary. And since all of us
need to use words at some point in our careers, reading makes it more likely that
you’ll be promoted faster.
10. Opening a book makes you a better writer.

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A study at the University of California, Riverside, found that when you’re exposed

to a great novel, the writing of that author will inevitably rub off on your own skills.
The same way that listening to music can influence your own style, so does a
great book.
11. Fiction books increase your ability to empathize
with others.

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A study done out of the University of Buffalo proved that even though fiction is

about an imaginary world, through reading you’re able to conceive of other
possibilities, and a life beyond your own insular one. In other words, you may
never have traveled to Europe, but by reading about a culture other than your
own it helps you to understand their way of life. In that way, it helps you to
empathize with other people and connect with different cultures.
12. People who read are more likely to get ahead
when it comes to their careers, and life in general.

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Honor Wilson-Fletcher, Director for the National Year of Reading, said that

reading “opens doors and makes life easier, so at the end of the day it doesn’t
matter what you read. What’s more, it really can make you feel good!”
Happy reading, everyone!