Most people pull out their phones, open Instagram or TikTok and scroll through endless videos whenever they have a free moment. But throughout elementary and middle school, I would take out my book and read in between activities. I believe my grammar, spelling and vocabulary are at a decent level right now mostly because of all the books I read as a kid, exposing myself to different types of writing. However, most kids nowadays have their own iPads or phones which take up their time instead of building skills through literature, and this is a problem.
Many students complain about ELA class, saying it’s not necessary to study a language we already know. However, ELA is about more than reading or writing. It’s about developing skills like communication, complex thinking, analysis and more. In class, students usually read books as a class, taking time to understand things like figurative language and symbolism to better understand the author’s purpose. Also, ELA usually involves projects like presentations, which helps students to get better at vital skills such as interpreting information and sharing it with others. And it’s important for younger kids to read as well because it’s a way for them to learn new words and grammar while enjoying a story.
Reading is also a good activity to relax while building better skills at the same time. It improves comprehension, and according to a study by the University of Melbourne, reading increases curiosity, which in turn leads to an interest in learning. The university also found reading fiction can improve empathy as people relate to the characters. Additionally, taking time to sit and read a book significantly lowers stress, improving health in the long run. Sometimes it’s even prescribed as bibliotherapy for people struggling with depression.
On the other hand, I’ve heard a lot of people complain books are boring, to which I say there’s a book for everyone. There are so many genres to choose from, like fantasy, sci-fi, adventure, classics, dystopian, mystery and thrillers, just to name a few. If you don’t like the book you’re reading, put it away and trade it for another. I’ve definitely read some books I didn’t like, and that’s fine because I have plenty of favorites as well.
Overall, I am a big advocate of reading because it’s so important in developing critical skills which come useful in many areas of life while providing a way to take a break. It’s more beneficial than you might think. And there are a ton of authors writing so many stories, there’s bound to be something you will enjoy.
