By Terry Orr
Prof. A.C. Grayling, in a review of A History of
Reading by Alberto Manguel had said, "To read is to fly: it is to soar to
a point of vantage which gives a view over wide terrains of history, human
variety, ideas, shared experience and the fruits of many inquiries." So
true! Reading is really like taking a flight to great heights in pursuit of
knowledge. It's a journey towards enlightenment.
The NEA Read Across America
is celebrated on Dr. Seuss birthday. We
at Keeping it Simple believe that reading is so
important that are dedicating two articles today on this subject. Reading is
the most important life skill - along with writing and speaking.
“A great book should leave you with
many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives
while reading.” ― William Styron, Conversations
with William Styron
Why Reading is the Most Important Thing You Will Ever Do
·
Words are
our everyday tools. You use
words in everything.
·
Vocabulary. Many of today's teenagers think vocabulary isn't
important
·
Information. Reading gives you information.
·
Imagination. Reading feeds your imagination.
·
Inspiration
The art of reading is in great part
that of acquiring a better understanding of life from one’s encounter with it
in a book. | André Maurois
Importance
of reading aloud:
·
Reading
aloud helps children acquire early language skills.
·
Reading
aloud helps children develop positive associations with books and reading.
·
Reading
aloud helps children build a stronger foundation for school success.
“Reading is the sole means by which
we slip, involuntarily, often helplessly, into another's skin, another's voice,
another's soul.” ― Joyce Carol Oates
Blending
in nonfiction reading and discussion with your family each day will help
broaden their knowledge.
6 ways to spark your
child's nonfiction reading and writing:
·
Pursue the
passion: Get books
that encourage your child’s interests.
·
More is
more: Offer
lots of nonfiction reading material – from books and magazines to newspapers
and atlases.
·
Be the
bookworm: Read a broad
range of fiction and nonfiction, and talk about what you read.
·
Reality
check: Talk
about connections between what your child is reading and events in the news.
·
Reasons to
write: Suggest
new writing projects — from letters to grandma, to keeping a diary, to penning
a play for the neighborhood kids.
·
Get the
lowdown: Ask your
child's teacher if your child’s reading list includes any nonfiction texts. If
not, why not?
“The more that you read, the more
things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” ― Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With
My Eyes Shut!
“Books are the quietest and most
constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and
the most patient of teachers.” ― Charles William Eliot
“Let us read, and let us dance; these
two amusements will never do any harm to the world.” ― Voltaire
Read Across
America Poem
You're
never too old, too wacky, too wild,
To pick up
a book and read with a child.
You're
never too busy, too cool, or too hot,
To pick up
a book and share what you've got.
In schools
and communities,
Let's
gather around,
Let's pick
up a book,
Let's pass
it around.
There are
kids all around you,
Kids who
will need
Someone to
hug,
Someone to
read.
Come join
us on March 2nd
In your own
special way
And make
this America's Read to Kids Day.
“It is a good rule after reading a
new book, never to allow yourself another new one till you have read an old one
in between.” ― C.S. Lewis
References and
Links:
http://www.greatschools.org/reading/7071-non-fiction-why-its-important.gs?page=all#sthash.SlucdfQ2.dpuf
http://www.reachoutandread.org/why-we-work/importance-of-reading-aloud/
http://www.reachoutandread.org/why-we-work/importance-of-reading-aloud/
[All images from Google]
