The Importance of Reading

An increase in reading among students could be a positive change to public education. Nonfiction and fiction. Short graphic novels and series alike. Simply reading more would foster literary skills, awareness, morale, and enjoyment of reading. Several studies have found a direct relationship between students who are motivated to read and higher test scores. Students who spend a significant amount of time reading different types of works have greater background knowledge; this prior knowledge has been shown to give students a greater understanding of test material. This allows them to more easily analyze that material and formulate correct responses. When students read book that they enjoy, it encourages imaginative thinking and improves vocabulary. Reading also allows students to slow down and simply be with themselves and book. Over time, reading more, even purely for pleasure, would increase students’ concentration because reading forces one to focus on one entity. There is no need to check ones phone while one is reading. All one must do is sit, be calm, and immerse one’s self in a good, age appropriate book of one’s choice. It can be very satisfying to have sat for seemingly just a few moments and complete a novel that was completely captivating. To attain this literary objective, students could be presented with a list of high school level appropriate books and given a minimum required number of books to read per year. For at least fifteen minutes every English class, students could read a book of their choice – this does occur in freshman and sophomore classes, but should be continued in the higher grades. Also, the teacher must be certain that no student is on their cellphone! It is so important to be able to disconnect from technology. There is so much to glean from literature, one can only begin to learn if they crack the surface and open the cover.