Why READ?

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Dr. Seuss

Reading is a strategic process with the goal being comprehension. (Tompkins 2016).

When we read, we:

• identify the words we see (word recognition);
• understand what they mean (comprehension);
• connect words and their meaning so that reading is automatic and accurate (fluency). (twinkl.com)

We read to learn knowledge and skills not only for academic purposes but also to attain our fullest potential and be successful in life (McClaskey, 2016).  According to Bridges (2014), “Many of our revered celebrities and leaders are avid readers. Indeed, it’s hard to find successful people who aren’t”.

When should we read? – Everyday for at least 10 minutes

How should we read? – Find a space with little or no distractions; Begin using materials on topics that interest you and eventually explore a variety of topics. Begin with just a few pages and gradually increase the amount that you read (EBSCO Post, 2023). Make sure you are comfortable but too comfortable to fall asleep.

But WHY?

Reading has many benefits. Here are a few:

Relieves stress and provides an escape

Empowers you to become an active citizen; expands your vocabulary

Advance your academic achievement

Develops your ability to communicate both orally and in writing

Additional Benefits

• Enhances your empathy and knowledge – of yourself, other cultures, heritage and ways of being and thinking.
• Builds your ability to understand a lot of information when immersed in the flow of reading
• Develops your imagination and creativity
• Improves concentration and memory capacity
• improves your self-confidence as a reader
• Helps you discover the world
• Inspires success

Need more reasons? Here are several as shared by students.

“Reading is very important to get more knowledge.” 4^th Former

“Helps open your vocabulary. Reading helps to visualize what you [are] reading.” – 3^rd Former

“Reading helps with [your] education.” 1^st Former

“You educate yourself when you read. For example, you won’t understand what is written around you. For example, things in the classroom.” 1^st Former

“To get information.” 4^th Former

“If you don’t read you won’t get the knowledge you need. Certain things can only be learned by reading. It helps them to develop the knowledge that you have.” Mahleica C.

“To get more knowledge.” D-Nesha R.

“To get more understanding” – Attarah J.

“We read to improve our vocabulary.” Iyema L.

“Reading can help us with most things in everyday life.” – Shamya G.

“To learn new things and about our past and history. To guide your future” – 4^th Former

“To help society by informing students, people and society in general about what is happening.” 4^th Former

“In my opinion, I read to write and put things in my own [words].” 5^th Former

“To understand and comprehend; for example, you have a paragraph, you read it to know what is happening.” 5^th Former

“Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.” Jim Rohn

So, Rise Above the Ordinary and READ!

#LiteracyMatters

References

Bridges, L. (2014). The joy and power of reading. California English, 20(2), 7-2

EBSCO Post. (2023, June 12). The power of leisure reading.

McClaskey, K. (2016, May 8). Continuum of purpose: Fostering a meaningful life. Make Learning Personal.

National Library of New Zealand. (n.d.). Reading for pleasure: A door to success.

Twinkl Teaching Wiki. (n.d.). What is reading?

Tompkins, G. E. (2016). Language Arts: Patterns of Practice. Pearson Education.