Ten benefits of reading
Children who read often and widely get better at it.
Practice makes perfect in almost everything humans do, and reading is no different.
Reading exercises our brain.
Reading is a much more complex task for the human brain rather than watching TV, for example. Reading strengthens brain connections and builds NEW connections.
Reading improves concentration.
Children have to sit still and quietly so that they can focus on the story when they are reading. If they read often, they will develop the skill to do this for longer.
Reading teaches children about the world around them.
Through reading a variety of books children learn about people, places, and events outside of their own experiences.
Reading improves vocabulary and language skills.
Children learn new words as they read. Subconsciously, they absorb information on how to structure sentences and how to use words and other language features effectively in their writing and speaking.
Reading develops a child's imagination.
As we read our brains translate the descriptions we read of people, places, and things into pictures. While we are engaged in a story we are also imagining how a character is feeling. Children then bring this knowledge into their writing.
Reading helps children to develop empathy.
As children develop they begin to imagine how they would feel in that situation.
Reading is fun.
A book or an e-reader doesn't take up much space and is light to carry, so you take it anywhere. You'll never be bored if you have a book in your bag.
Reading is a great way to spend time together.
Reading together on the sofa, bedtime stories, and visiting the library are just some ways of spending time together.
Children who read achieve better in school.
Reading promotes achievement in all subjects, not just English. Children who are good readers tend to achieve better across the curriculum.