Why does reading matter? Here are a few reasons…
One of my favorite books from my time as a middle-school English teacher is Kelly Gallagher’s Reading Reasons. Read on to get a summary of just a few reasons why reading is SO important! Follow the link at the bottom of this blog to download my Strategies for Promoting Early Literacy and Reading at Home to get started with your child today, no matter how old they are!
First, as I mentioned, credit where credit is due - Kelly Gallagher is incredible, and his mini-lessons within his book Reading Reasons were a lifesaver when I was trying to convince 8th graders that my Reading/English Language Arts class was worth their attention. Here is a quick overview of some of the themes he covers in his book - if you’re a teacher or a parent looking to demonstrate the importance of reading to kids, Kelly’s book is for you! Follow the link above to get a copy and get access to relevant, eye-opening lessons!
Reading is FUN
Can’t stress this one enough. Reading is joyful! Some of my favorite memories as a child include listening to books on tape from the library (yes, that counts as reading, too!). I’d load up my boom box with a cassette, plug in my enormous headphones, and grab that box by the handle and lug it around the house with me. I listened to The Secret Garden and traveled to moors of gloomy England. I listened to Alien Secrets and traveled through space solving an alien mystery. I listened to Year of Wonders and traveled back in time, learning along the way that the struggles of humanity haven’t changed all that much over the years. My love of reading wasn’t just limited to books on tape - I cherished my Dear America hardbacks and always begged for more American Girl Dolls or Star Wars novels (unabashed Star Wars nerd here).
Today, I gleefully page through new books, whether through the Books app on my iPhone or through dog-eared used paperbacks. Reading takes us on journeys to places we could never dream of, places we can only hope to one day visit.
Reading expands your vocabulary
Did you know that if you’re reading a comic book, you’ll encounter 53.5 rare words out of every 1,000 words you read, whereas if you watch TV you’ll only encounter 22.7 rare words out of every 1,000 you hear?! That number goes up to 68.3 rare words if you’re reading a newspaper and 128 if you’re reading a scientific paper. Wowza!
In short, reading exposes you to new words, and by using context clues you can figure out and then learn the definition of those words. Pretty powerful, right?! Grow that brain!
Reading improves your writing
The way to become better at any skill is to look to the experts. Want to become a great swimmer? Watch Michael Phelps! Want to become an incredible baker? Read up on cake recipes and watch some YouTube videos of pastry chefs!
The more you read, the more you’ll be exposed to other writers’ styles, and as a result, you’ll begin to find your own. You’ll learn new synonyms for overused words like “very” and learn how to structure your prose. Writing is essential in whatever job you find in today’s world, so go for the two-for-one deal and read a book to improve your writing!
“Reading is hard, and “hard” is necessary” - Kelly Gallagher
Know what isn’t straightforward? The language on your driver’s license test. Know what else isn’t straightforward? The legalese in your lease on your first apartment. To be a full participant and informed consumer of goods and services in today’s world, you need to be able to read complex documents. Want that driver’s license? Well, you’ve got to understand the written words on the test in order to pass.
Reading grows your brain
Remember how reading expands your vocabulary? Well reading’s impact on your brilliance doesn’t stop there. First of all, brain science tells us that our brains can continue to grow and take in new information throughout our lives - even if your brain was injured! And the amount of time and effort put in directly correlates with the outcome. Think about this - if you read for 1.6 minutes per day, you’ll read about 51,000 words per year… up that to just 21,7 minutes of reading per day, you’re up to over ONE MILLION words per year (1,168,000 words to be exact, based on data Gallagher presents in his book from Anderson, Wilson, and Fielding, 1988). Up it to 90.7 minutes per day? That’s 4,733,000 words read per year. MORE THAN FOUR MILLION WORDS! Think of how many facts your brain can assimilate at that rate. Knowledge is power, and reading is the key to knowledge!
Reading is essential on the job
We all dream of different jobs as we grow up, and everyone from Spiderman to WNBA superstars to teachers to police officers need to be able to read to perform their jobs. In today’s world, most jobs assume that you’re a good reader - your boss will expect you to use Microsoft Office, the Internet, calendars, e-mail, and other tools that require reading skills. No matter what job you’re aiming for, reading will help you get there.
Reading opens doors
Look, I’ll make it simple - more reading = more opportunities. The further you go in your education, the more reading you’ll need… and the further you go in your education, the higher your potential income. Whether it’s a trade school with complex instruction manuals or a business degree with dense textbooks, you’re going to need to read to advance in your career and expand your income.
Reading breaks down barriers
I can’t stress this one enough - reading is freedom. One of my favorite quotes of all time is from Frederick Douglass, a brilliant activist, writer, and speaker (among many talents) who escaped from slavery. Douglass said, “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” Reading is powerful. Reading opens doors.
In the United States there is a horrific racial and economic divide in access to quality education - this is absolutely unacceptable. Everyone deserves the right to a quality education, and we must continue fighting to end this divide. While we continue that good fight, what can we do TODAY? By honing your reading skills - no matter your race or economic status - you will open doors and break down barriers to your success.
Concerned about your or your child’s reading skills? Reach out today - no matter who you are, no matter your background, we’re here to help! And I REALLY, REALLY mean that!
Looking for where to begin with your child? Check out our Strategies for Promoting Early Literacy and Reading at Home today to help your child begin their journey towards a love of reading!