Generally, from time to time people have often wondered why reading is important. What are the benefits of reading? These questions seem to echo through times. While there are so many other things to do with one’s time, reading seems to be of questionable importance. We will look at some of those fundamental reasons why reading books is important and the benefits of reading.
Why is reading good for you?
- Reading helps you navigate your immediate environment: Look around you, there are signs everywhere. Anyone who does not know how to read will find it difficult to be useful. There are many people who cannot read well enough to understand the instructions on a medicine bottle. That is a scary thought – especially for their children. Filling out applications becomes impossible without help. Reading road or warning signs is difficult. Day-to-day activities that many people take for granted become a source of frustration, anger and fear.
- Good reading skill is vital for a good job: Many well-paying jobs require reading as a part of job performance. There are reports and memos which must be read and responded to. Poor reading skills increase the amount of time it takes to absorb and react in the workplace. A person is limited in what they can accomplish without good reading and comprehension skills.
- Reading is important because it develops the mind. The mind is a muscle. It needs exercise. Understanding the written word is one way the mind grows in its ability. Reading is important to you because it helps to develop language skills. It also helps to learn to listen. Everybody wants to talk, but few can really listen. Lack of listening skills can result in major misunderstandings which can lead to job loss, marriage breakup, and other disasters – small and great. Reading helps you to focus on what someone else is communicating.
- Reading Improves Literacy: Have you ever read a book where you came across an unfamiliar word? Reading has the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary grows, along with your ability to effectively communicate. Additionally, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
- Reading is important because it helps you discover new things. Books, magazines and even the Internet are great learning tools which require the ability to read and understand what is read. A person who knows how to read can educate themselves in any area of life they are interested in. We live in an age where we overflow with information, but reading is the main way to take advantage of it.
- Reading is fundamental in developing a good self-image. Non-readers or poor readers often have low opinions of themselves and their abilities. Many times they feel as if the world is against them. They feel isolated and behaviour problems can surface. They can perform poorly in other subjects because they cannot read and understand the material. Often the reader tends to “give up.”
- Reading improves spelling: As students learn to sound out letters and words, spelling becomes easier. Also, reading helps to expand the vocabulary. Reading new words puts them in their mind for later use. Seeing how words are used in different contexts can give a better understanding of the word usage and its definitions rather than just the cold facts of a dictionary.
- Reading Improves concentration and focuses: Reading cannot happen without focus and in order to fully understand the content, we must concentrate on what is read. In a world where gadgets are only getting faster and shortening our attention span, we need to constantly practise concentration and focus. Reading is important because it is one of the few activities that require undivided attention, therefore, improving the ability to concentrate.
Sources:
https://markhampubliclibrary.ca/blogs/post/top-10-benefits-of-reading-for-all-ages/
https://www.bestpracticeinhr.com/why-is-reading-important-the-11-benefits-of-books/