To read is to derive meaning from printed words. Word recognition (the ability to recognize printed text) is essential. Construct an understanding from them – a process called comprehension. Learn to link word recognition with meaning construction so that reading becomes automatic and accurate.
Readers of all ages gather ’round the books! Do you ever wonder why reading is so valuable beyond the apparent intellectual and recreational gains?
The benefits of reading books extend far beyond the minor and significant linguistic, all the way to mental wellness. Just in case you needed some convincing, here are the top 10 reasons why people of all ages should make reading a regular part of their lives:
1. It’s good for your brain to read.
When we read, we have to keep track of several details, including characters’ names and descriptions of the places they appear.
It’s essential to keep the story straight in your mind even if you want to read a book cover to cover in one sitting. In other words, reading is like working out your brain and helping your memory.
2. It’s no secret that reading is a great way to pass the time.
Did you realize that many well-known films and TV shows have literary origins? So, if you’re looking for something to do to pass the time, you might as well go back to the source of all entertainment and learn how to read. The best part is that it’s free with a Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading raises one’s level of focus and concentration.
We can all agree that reading requires attention and that only by paying close attention to what we’re reading can we hope to grasp the tale being told entirely.
Focus and concentration need continual exercise in a world where technology is only becoming faster, and our attention span is getting shorter.
If you want to increase your capacity to focus, reading is one of the few things that can do so.
4. Literacy rises as a result of reading.
When reading, do you ever encounter a word you don’t know the meaning of? Books can help you expand your lexicon by exposing you to new comments.
Reading expands both your vocabulary and your communication skills.
Reading also helps writing because it exposes the reader to various styles and formats.
5. Reading before bedtime helps you get better rest.
Reading before bed can help your body understand that it’s time to wind down and get some shut-eye. We need screens more than ever to help us get through the day.
So, when you put down your phone and pick up a book, you’re sending a message to your brain to settle down. Reading before bedtime has increased sleep quality by reducing tension and anxiety.
6. Reading expands one’s horizons.
Books are a great source of entertainment and information. Books can teach us things we wouldn’t learn anywhere else, whether fictional or nonfictional. Reading widely can increase your general knowledge and, in turn, boost your confidence in social situations.
7. Reading motivates people.
Reading about the main characters in literature who can triumph despite adversity can inspire readers to do the same.
Whether a romantic novel or a self-help manual, the perfect book may inspire you to keep going even when things are tough.
8. Reading is a stress-buster.
Reading can take you away from your mundane, everyday life and into an imaginary realm. Reading has been linked to decreased stress, heart rate, and blood pressure.
9. The reading habit sets an excellent example for children.
Instilling a love of reading in young children is a great way to show them the value you place on literacy and encourage them to read independently. Children are good imitators, so if you make time for reading regularly, your kids will likely start doing the same.
10. Reading increases compassionate thinking.
Books provide us with a glimpse into worlds far from our own.
Often putting the reader in the narrator’s position, they teach us empathy and how to connect with people.
Empathy is the name for this straightforward method.
The capacity for emotional reciprocity, or empathy, is characterized as the awareness and acceptance of another’s feelings.
Reading strengthens our capacity for empathy by regularly exposing us to ideas and experiences that are different from our own.
