Reading

The Importance of Reading Cannot Be Overestimated

The importance of reading can not be overemphasized. On an average day, you read everything from manuals and letters to bank statements and product labels. You read to keep up with news and to pursue an interest. For relaxation, you pick up a novel or a magazine.

Today's world offers many reading choices. We can augment the local paper by checking out the news online. Books are available for download online and can be enjoyed on audio tapes and CDs. Despite technology advancements, the importance of reading has not decreased. Reading is vital for both academic and professional success, and it provides lifelong enrichment.

To help your child understand the importance of reading and develop a love of reading, read to him right from the beginning. A baby might not understand Green Eggs and Ham, but he will enjoy the sound of your voice. Reading together should become a daily activity.

Your child sees the importance of reading when he watches you and other family members read. Share your enthusiasm for a favorite book. Have reading materials in the home to provide an invitation to read. Let trips to the library become a favorite family outing. Give your child books as presents, and capitalize on your child's interests by finding books and articles that he will enjoy.

Prepare your child to read before he begins school. A good book to get you started is Straight Talk about Reading by Susan L. Hall and Louisa C. Moats. You can experiment with phonics and teach your child the sounds that go with letters. You can read a story and ask your child questions to see what he understands and remembers. Helping your child learn new words will polish his/her reading skills. You can also encourage your child to read aloud to increase fluency.

You can also find help with teaching the importance of reading at online. At the Sylvan Learning website, go to the Tutoring Library for Reading Help. The website of The National Council of Teachers of English also has a number of resources for parents. Don't forget to talk to other parents and to teachers in your community to get suggestions about how to show your child the importance of reading.

The gift of reading is one that will last a lifetime.