Reading Matters!

Reading Matters

Each nine weeks my assistant principal, Lindsay Hennarichs (you can follow her blog at http://lhennarichs.blogspot.com/), and I review 3 grade levels of report cards.  We try, if the teachers leave us enough room, to write a comment and give a “scholarly” stamp on each one for each student.  So, I cannot tell you the number of times that I read comments such as:

• Keep reading!
• Be sure and read every night for at least 20 minutes.
•  Read with (child’s name) every night.
•  Be sure to keep reading!

The teachers give out these comments without any regard to differentiation – meaning that children of all reading abilities are encouraged to read!  Reading is tool for academic achievement that never goes out of style or out-of date.  Personally, I encourage my teachers to be well read, as I expect myself to be a reader.  Currently I am reading two books:

-AND-

Two different types of reading with different purposes, but both of interest to me.  I am reading The Book Thief for enjoyment.  The Digital Leadership helps me in my own professional growth.

          Through reading, children learn about people, places and events outside their Reading it truly the key to success for all children (and adults)! 

Why does reading matter?

1.      Reading allows children to access the world. 

        Through reading, children learn about people, places and events outside their
 own experience. They are exposed to ways of life, ideas and beliefs about the 

        world which may be different from those which surround them. 

 2.   Reading improves a child’s vocabulary and leads to more highly-   

          developed language skills.

            This is because children learn new words as they read but also because

          children unconsciously absorb information as they read about things like 

          how to structure sentences and how to use words and language effectively. 

(See my previous blog on vocabulary and our school-wide focus)

3.   Reading builds knowledge.

          This learning is important for its own sake however it also builds a store of

            background knowledge which helps younger children learn to 

            read confidently and well. 

Here are to resources to help:  one for teachers, and one for parents!

4.   Reading improves concentration.

      Children that can sit still and quietly can focus on the story.  If they read  

      regularly, they will develop the ability to focus for longer periods of time.

5.   Reading builds community.

      We, as humans, love to have a common interest with those we live and work    

      around.  How do we know which TV shows to watch? Which movies to go to?    

      Don’t we ask those we are around?  Then, how exciting is it to discuss those 

      shared experiences.  It is the same with books.  Isn’t that how book clubs, like 

      Oprah’s book clubs, became so popular?  While books provide similar 

      experiences, it also allows for language development through the shared 

      discussion.  A win-win!

(No link, but check out Oprah’s website.  Even off air, her book clubs are

alive and thriving – building a world-wide community of readers.)

6.    Reading improves a child’s academic achievement.

            Students don’t just do better at subjects like reading, English and history. They 

            do better at all subjects and they do better all the way through school.  Current 

            math assessments require students to read, and problem solve.  Reading 

            matters!

(Click here to see an interactive sample of the English Language Arts and Math assessments.)

      7.    Reading is entertaining.

           It’s true! You can take a book anywhere, even download a book on your phone, 

             and you’ll never be lonely or bored.  A book can take you to lands you dream of traveling, let you make friends you never thought you would, and even teach you

             a thing or two.  Books will never be out of style!

      8.   Reading helps kids develop empathy.

            Reading immerses us in someone else's thoughts and experiences so that we            effectively see the world through the eyes of another person; hence, reading 

            can make children/adults more empathetic.  Daniel Goleman, an expert in 

            emotional intelligence has found six positive results from the use of books 

            with children:

    Less physical violence at school

 Fewer name-calling incidents.

Fewer put-downs in the class.

Improved methods to reduce conflict.

Better sensitivity among children.

More incidents of active listening between children.

             For the last two years my 4th grade team has read aloud the book Wonder.  

             Each year they have come to me with stories of and examples of true empathy among the students. 

9.   Reading can be calming.
In an age of instant gratification and constant noise, it is necessary for us to have times of quiet.  From TV to computers, we seem to be inundated with  constant movement, flashing lights and noise.  Actually, our brains do need  rest.  When reading, we usually find a quiet, controlled environment.  As a matter of fact, I read every night to go to sleep – to calm down and unwind from my day.

10.    Practice makes perfect!

     As a child reads more, they become better at reading.  Why do they need  

      to get better at reading?  (Did you read # 1-9?) 

So, take some time to read with or to your child today.  Let them see you read!  You will be giving them a gift – a legacy of success!

                         

Follow these links to infographics with startling information on literacy:

                                National Reading Campaign

                                      All Children Reading

  

Font credits to Jennifer Jones @ helloliteracy.blogspot.com

The fonts can be found on her Teacher Pay Teacher Account.