Importance of Reading

Justine Marie M. Colico

However, some students find reading quite tedious. They think of it as a chore that they have to accomplish just to fulfill the requirements of a certain class. So, developing good reading habits among students can encourage them to love reading.Reading is a fundamental skill that allow students to develop their vocabulary, attention span, and comprehension.In order to develop good reading habits among students, teachers should present a variety of genres to read, or, allow them to pick their own reading material. In this way, students can explore their interests and find a specific genre that is suitable to their taste.It also helps to set a specific schedule in class and at home to accustom students to reading. Reading at a specific time becomes a routine that students could get used to.Creating a reading group among students who prefer the same genre could motivate them to continue reading.

A reading group can inspire students to finish whatever book or material they have to read knowing that others are doing it to. It also helps to talk about what they are reading to their group, thus, they can share they learning about it.A trip to the school library once in a while could also develop students interests in books and reading.Reading is a life skill that plays a crucial role to successfully function in today's society. So, it is only reasonable to keep in mind just how important reading is.First, reading is vital for survival in day to day activities. The ability to read instructions, directions and functions of things allow a student to accomplish his/her tasks for the day without any difficulties.Second, reading develops a student's language skills. Through reading, a student can widen his/her vocabulary, improve his/her pronunciation, and his/ her writing style.Third, reading develops the mind and imagination.

It helps students discover new things by transporting them to different places, to the minds and emotions of different characters, and to various plot twists that pique their analytical thinking. With this, reading makes a student smarter and more capable.Finally, reading improves the focus and concentration of a student. Nowadays, with the presence of the internet and smart devices, the attention span and focus of students seemingly become shorter. But, reading for at least 15-20 minutes allow a student to focus, thus, completely immersing himself/herself to the story in front of his/her eyes.Aside from all these advantages, reading helps reduce stress and makes students sleep better. When they have less stress and better sleep, students learn faster and more efficiently.

--oOo-

The author is Secondary School Teacher

III at Angeles City National High School