by Mrs. Nicky Kagan
“Why should I read? What for?”
– Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451
My Grade 9 class recently came across this line from Fahrenheit 451, and it really made me think about books and reading. Why do we, especially teachers, continue to stress the importance of reading, only to so often be told by students and parents alike that they never read? What is the role of books and reading in our hectic, stress filled, fast-paced lives?
I cannot contemplate a world without books. I cannot be without a book to read. I almost get nervous if I complete a book and do not have another lying there, ready to be picked up. There is so much that I have gained from books and my love of reading and I want to pass this on to every student I teach.
The academics give us myriad reasons for why we should read. Reading, they tell us is essential for success in the modern world. It broadens the mind, gives us knowledge, it leads to improved academic success, it relaxes us, and provides many other benefits which I will discuss in more detail. But, and this is a big but, if we want our students and children to read we have to impart a sense of the joy and fun that books and reading can bring.
Reading broadens our minds. It widens our thinking and allows us to learn about other times and places that we have yet to discover directly for ourselves. We know imagination is important and highly prized and people who “think outside the box” are valued. Books are where our imaginations can be free and we can go on a journey to new places, widen our vision and meet new people.
I do not know who said “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body”, but it is something to keep in “mind”. We know the benefits of exercise, and one of the great benefits of reading is that it aids concentration. This develops the brain and sharpens the intellect. Studies show children who read are able to comprehend ideas more easily, follow arguments and have stronger vocabularies, all strengths essential for academic success. There is a strong correlation between reading and academic ability.
Another aspect of reading is that it relieves stress, which is so important today. Books are portable, and when we pick up a book and get immersed in the world being described we forget our stresses and problems. We can stretch out on the couch or lie on the bed and be comfortable and relaxed. We can be entertained and find pleasure in a way totally removed from technology. I know many people read books on e readers and other devices, but this need be no different from holding the actual book in one’s hands, although being a long time reader I still prefer the physical book.
As parents we know the best way to encourage behaviour in our children is for them to see us involved in doing it. It is far better to model behaviour than to talk about it. If our children see us reading and believing it is important they just may pick up a book and read. If we hear of or read a book we think they might enjoy suggest it. Let the reluctant reader choose their own books, and ask them about it when they finish. Praise them for persevering and they might just find they enjoy it. Show them that you believe reading is important, and hopefully they will follow suit.
Reading should never be a chore; it should be the dessert, the part of our day that we look forward to, for it gives us time to be transported to another world or time to think about something totally apart from our day.
As Dr. Seuss said: “You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.”
