1. Reading is Essential and serves as a basic building block for learning, regardless of the school subject, be it language arts or even math. In daily life, the need to read things such as street signs or prescriptions proves reading is also an important life skill.
2. Reading Strengthens the Brain and improves memory. Reading also strengthens brain connections and builds new ones.
3. Reading Improves Concentration. Since reading is an activity that requires focus, it is one that, when done regularly, helps children develop the ability to sit still and quietly for longer and longer periods of time.
4. Reading Improves a Child’s Vocabulary and Language Skills. The more children read, the more new words they learn. As they absorb these new words, they are able to define them based on the context of the material. Children can also learn about sentence structure through reading, which can help improve their writing skills.
5. Reading Strengthens Analytical Skills. Storylines in books often pose a problem or issue that leads to a solution. Reading these types of stories (e.g. mysteries) offers children the chance to identify and sort through the details presented in order to determine the outcome or solve the issue on their own while developing their analytical skills in the process.
6. Reading Teaches Children about the World Beyond Their Own Doors. Children have the opportunity to build a store of background knowledge when are exposed to content that can help them learn about different cultures and societies as well as people, places and events outside their own experiences.
7. Reading Fosters Self-Confidence and Independence. Children who read regularly develop strong literacy skills and become competent readers. Strong literacy skills can lead to greater self-sufficiency and, in turn, a more confident child.
8. Reading Reduces Stress and Offers Relaxation. Reading offers an escape into other story worlds and away from daily stressors. It also offers an escape from the mentally overstimulating flashing lights and noise of the computer or television. It is an activity that can be done in silence and at a child’s own pace.
9. Reading is Fun and Entertaining. With so many genres of writing available, there’s something out there for everyone’s tastes. A good book can be even more entertaining than a good movie since the reader is able to use his or her imagination to develop the words into his or her own mental images as opposed to being confined to what is seen on a movie screen.
10. Reading Allows a Child to Become a Better Reader. Just as regular exercise strengthens the body, reading strengthens the mind. Reading regularly will not only help your child to further develop this important skill, it will help your child take better advantage of all the benefits this skill has to offer.
