THE IMPORTANCE OF READING AND WHY WE SHOULD ENCOURAGE A LOVE OF BOOKS

This blog came about due to a rant about ignorance in certain culture groups in the UK. The only way to increase insight and knowledge is by education. Some societies like to moan about hard-done-to they are, yet they don't seem ask themselves why. The world does not owe us a living, life is what we make it. Nobody is going to hand things to you on a plate nor is life fair. There's two ways we can look at this, we can sit and moan, blame others, envy them even, blame the government, but seldom do they look at themselves. Or we can exert change ourselves, by hard work and by education. Of the latter education is the key and it doesn't mean we all have to go to University. Knowledge is power and we gain that knowledge through reading.

It saddens me in certain culture groups they don't see reading as being important and you do not have to read factual books to expand your mind. In my opinion a lot of parents take the easy option, rather spending time with their children reading and encouraging their children to develop a love of reading and books, they prop them up in front of the TV or let them play video and computer games. 

The only way to change your lot in life is by education and that begins with reading, not just one particular genre either, even poetry encourages you to think deeper about life, philosophise about the world and expands consciousness as well as improve vocabulary. Books and reading give pleasure too and many poor societies in the world would gladly give their eye teeth for an education and love to get their hands on a book and yet some take it for granted and don't value education and then they wonder why they are in the situation they are in. It's never too early to introduce children to books even the tiniest babies love them. We owe it to future generations to encourage and value education, in this way we rid society from ignorance and complacency.

The importance of reading on a child’s development

Language and communication skills are vital to a child’s emotional and personal development as they develop a sense of self and their relationship to others. Exposure to stories helps to enrich the imagination and provide knowledge of a range of experiences that a child can draw on to give them confidence in their daily life.
Advances in neuroscience show that reading stimulates the growth of a young child’s brain. New brain imaging technology shows that literally, in a matter of seconds, thousands of brain cells burst into action when you read to a child. Some brain cells are turned on, some are strengthened, new brain cells are formed; adding more definition to the intricate circuitry of the brain.

Experts now believe that success is influenced 20 percent by IQ and 80 percent by various factors that make up a person’s character and personality, or their “emotional intelligence.” Furthermore, they have found that emotional intelligence can be learned, and reading books can help develop it.

Nick Gibb, Schools Minister says “I am passionate about wanting all children to develop a real love of books and of reading for pleasure. Children should always have a book on the go. The difference in achievement between children who read for half an hour a day and those who don’t is huge – as much as a year’s education by the time they are 15.