Benefits of Reading

I remember when I learned to read.  I wish I still had that book, or at least I knew the name of it.  I am trying to remember what it was about.  Maybe gingerbread people?   Mom read it so many times that I memorized the words as she read.  I took the book and started reading it by recalling what I remembered.  Suddenly, the printed words clicked in my brain. I could read.

A 20% reduction in mortality was observed for those who read books compared to those who did not read books. Any level of book reading gave a significantly stronger survival advantage than reading magazines.

Reading aloud to young children, particularly in an engaging manner, promotes emergent literacy and language development and supports the relationship between child and parent. In addition, it can encourage a love for reading.

Reading reduces stress. A 2009 study from Mindlab International at the University of Sussex found that reading reduced stress levels by 68%. Reading is more effective than other soothing activities such as taking a walk or listening to music. 

Here is the most important takeaway from this posting:

“Many incarcerated youths have failed to learn to read. The fact that youths who have deficits in reading are disproportionately represented in correctional institutions suggests that the juvenile justice system has become the default system for many youths who have reading problems.”

While living in St. Louis, I volunteered as a reading coach for one hour per week, tutoring a first grader.  It was through OASIS. 

Volunteer in your school district if you live in St. Louis through OASIS.  OASIS offers training.  If you live elsewhere, search online for opportunities to volunteer as a reading coach. 

What’s in your book queue? 

I just finished Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov.  Mick Jagger loved this book and wrote the song, “Sympathy for the Devil” after reading it.  Lines in the song reflect the book.  “Please allow me to introduce myself,” says the Devil. 

Now, I am reading The Story of a Life by Konstantin Paustovsky.  I am only on page 79.  There are about 800 pages.  Check back.