Parents,
I want to make sure that I make one thing a clear as possible. Our major focus this year in Grade three will be to encourage your children to READ. I read an Associated Press-Ipsos poll revealing that 1 in 4 adults read no books last year. Yes, that’s 25% of the adults out there are reading zero books. This is sad. Similarly, I recently read that our children and their generation face a dilemma that has never been confronted previously. These students may be the first EVER to be less literate than their parents.
Reading offers innumerable benefits. Most importantly,
it enables children to experience success in the classroom and beyond. Here is
a list of additional benefits:
1. Reading is an active mental process –
Unlike TV, books make you to use your brain. By reading, you think more and
become smarter.
2. It is a fundamental skill builder -
Every good course on the planet has a matching book to go with it. Why? Because
books help clarify difficult subjects. Books provide information that goes
deeper than just classroom discussion.
3. Improves your vocabulary –
Remember in elementary school when you learned how to infer the meaning of one
word by reading the context of the other words in the sentence? You get the
same benefit from book reading. While reading books, especially challenging
ones, you will find yourself exposed to many new words you wouldn’t be
otherwise.
4. Gives you a glimpse into other cultures and places –
What is your favorite vacation spot? I would bet you read a lot about that
destination. The more information the better. Books can expand your horizons by
letting you see what other cities and countries have to offer before you visit
them.
5. Improves concentration and focus –
Like I pointed out before, reading books takes brain power. It requires you to
focus on what you are reading for long periods. Unlike magazines, Internet
posts or e-Mails that might contain small chunks of information. Books tell the
whole story. Since you must concentrate in order to read, like a muscle, you will
get better at concentration.
6. Builds self-esteem – By reading more
books, you become better informed and more of an expert on the topics you read
about. This expertise translates into higher self esteem. Since you are so well
read, people look to you for answers. Your feelings about yourself can only get
better.
7. Improves memory – Many studies
show if you don’t use your memory, you lose it. Crossword puzzles are an
example of a word game that staves off Alzheimer’s. Reading, although not a
game, helps you stretch your memory muscles in a similar way.
Reading requires remembering details, facts and figures and in literature, plot
lines, themes and characters.
8. Improves your discipline –
Obviously, if 1 in 4 people don’t read one book per year, then there is a
discipline issue. There may be many causes for people not reading books such as
the “quips” of information you can get on the Internet. TV is also a major
distracter. Making time to read is something we all know we should do, but who
schedules book reading time every day? Very few… That’s why adding book reading
to your daily schedule and sticking to it, improves discipline.
9. Learn anywhere – Books are portable. You can
take them almost anywhere. As such, you can learn almost anywhere too.
10. Improves creativity –
by reading more books and exposing yourself to new and more complete
information, you will also be able to come up with more creative ideas. As a
personal example, I read many, many books on IT Networking. So often, when IT
Admins are stumped with a problem, I can come up with a creative (smack your
head simple) solution that isn’t written anywhere. But the reason I can do that
is because I have read so many books on the subject, I can combine lessons from
all of them into new solutions.
11. Gives you something to talk about –
Have you ever run out of stuff to talk about with your best friend, wife or
husband? This can be uncomfortable. It might even make married couples wonder
if their marriage is in trouble. However, if you read a lot of books, you’ll
always have something to talk about. You can discuss various plots in the
novels you read, you can discuss the stuff you are learning in the business
books you are reading as well. The possibilities of sharing are endless.
As your children's teacher, I want to encourage you to
work with your children at home (and I promise to do the same at school) to
read. Collectively, we can set these kids on the path to success.
Mr. Hill
