Why Is Reading Important?

From time to time people have wondered why reading is important. There seems so many other things
to do with one's time. Reading is important for a variety of reasons. We will look at some of those
fundamental reasons below, but it is important to realize that struggling with vital reading skills is not a
sign of low intelligence. For example, John Corcoran, who wrote The Teacher Who Couldn't Read, is a
very intelligent man. He graduated from High School and College, became a popular High School teacher
and later a successful business man, all without being able to read. Many highly intelligent people have
struggled with reading; although, when properly taught, most people can learn to read easily and
quickly.

Now, if a man like John Corcoran can succeed without reading, why is reading important? A person
should really read Mr. Corcoran's story to get the feeling of shame, loneliness and fear that he
experienced before he learned to read. He was able to succeed in spite of this major handicap because
he was a man of intelligence, ability and determination. But, make no mistake, it was a handicap that
made life harder and less enjoyable.

Why Is Reading Important?

1. Reading is fundamental to functioning in today's society. There are many adults who cannot read well
enough to understand the instructions on a medicine bottle. That is a scary thought - especially for their
children. Filling out applications becomes impossible without help. Reading road or warning signs is
difficult. Even following a map becomes a chore. Day-to-day activities that many people take for granted
become a source of frustration, anger and fear.

2. Reading is a vital skill in finding a good job. Many well-paying jobs require reading as a part of job
performance. There are reports and memos which must be read and responded to. Poor reading skills
increases the amount of time it takes to absorb and react in the workplace. A person is limited in what
they can accomplish without good reading and comprehension skills.

3. Reading is important because it develops the mind. The mind is a muscle. It needs exercise.
Understanding the written word is one way the mind grows in its ability. Teaching young children to read
helps them develop their language skills. It also helps them learn to listen. Everybody wants to talk, but
few can really listen. Lack of listening skills can result in major misunderstandings which can lead to job
loss, marriage breakup, and other disasters - small and great. Reading helps children [and adults] focus
on what someone else is communicating.

4. Why is reading important? It is how we discover new things. Books, magazines and even the Internet
are great learning tools which require the ability to read and understand what is read. A person who
knows how to read can educate themselves in any area of life they are interested in. We live in an age
where we overflow with information, but reading is the main way to take advantage of it.

5. Reading develops the imagination. TV and computer games have their place, but they are more like
amusement. Amusement comes from two words "a" [non] and "muse" [think]. Amusement is non-
thinking activities. With reading, a person can go anywhere in the world...or even out of it! They can be a
king, or an adventurer, or a princess, or... The possibilities are endless. Non-readers never experience
these joys to the same extent.

6. In line with the above, reading develops the creative side of people. When reading to children, stop
every once in awhile and ask them what they think is going to happen next. Get them thinking about the
story. When it is finished, ask if they could think of a better ending or anything that would have improved
it. If they really liked the story, encourage them to illustrate it with their own drawings or to make up a
different story with the same characters. Get the creative juices flowing!

7. Reading is fundamental in developing a good self image. Non-readers or poor readers often have low
opinions of themselves and their abilities. Many times they feel as if the world is against them. They feel
isolated [everybody else can read - which isn't true] and behavior problems can surface. They can
perform poorly in other subjects because they cannot read and understand the material. Often the
reader tends to "give up."

8. Why is reading important? Let's keep going... Good reading skills, especially in a phonics reading
program, improve spelling. As students learn to sound out letters and words, spelling becomes easier.
Also, reading helps to expand the vocabulary. Reading new words puts them in their mind for later use.
Seeing how words are used in different contexts can give a better understanding of the word usage and
its definitions rather than just the cold facts of a dictionary.
9. There is an old saying, "The pen is mightier than the sword." Ideas written down have changed the
destiny of men and nations for better or worse. The flow of ideas cannot be stopped. We need to read
and research to build on the good ideas and expose the bad ideas before they bring destruction. Only by
reading can we be armed in this never-ending, life-and-death struggle.

10. The fact of the power of written ideas communicated through reading is a foundational reason why
some governments oppose free and honest communication. Illiterate people are easier to control and
manipulate. They cannot do their own research and thinking. They must rely on what they are told and
how their emotions are swayed. There is a good possibility that this is one of the main reasons phonics
was removed from the schools about 100 years ago.

11. Finally, why is reading important? Reading is important because words - spoken and written - are the
building blocks of life. You are, right now, the result of words that you have heard or read AND believed
about yourself. What you become in the future will depend on the words you believe about yourself
now. People, families, relationships, and even nations are built from words. Think about it.

According to Jonathan Kozol in "Illiterate America," quoted in "The Teacher Who Couldn't Read,'" the
three main reasons people give for wanting to read are:

1. To read the Bible,

2. To read books and newspapers, and

3. To help their children.

I think everyone can conclude that reading is a vital skill! Reading Strategies are also a part of learning to
read.

By Glenn Davis, Last Updated December, 2016

Sign up for our complete reading program now. Check us out on Facebook:

Facebook: Learn To Read Prince George and the World

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.

Home

Reading

Lessons

Reading Room

Why Read?

Letter Sounds

Dick And Jane Failed

Testimonials

Activities

Reading Help

History Stories

Full-Length Stories

Gospel Of Luke

Information

FAQ

Bookstore

Sitemap

Contact Us

About Us
Privacy Policy

25% Off Wordly Wise from Nest Learning

[?]Subscribe To This Site

XML RSS

follow us in feedly

Add to My Yahoo!

Add to My MSN

Subscribe with Bloglines

Reading Lessons

Improve your reading skills now. Check out our FAQ Page or go directly to Lesson Information. Don't
delay. This is your opportunity to enrich your life!

Secular & Non-Secular Homeschool Products

Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn
more.Got it!

Share