The Light of Reading
Why Reading is More Import Than Ever!
*** This is a special Note from Nono to parents, grandparents, and all those interested in helping the children in their lives ***
Summer is fully engaged now. Traditionally, kids and families are out in the yard or at the beach, or maybe even just hanging around the house or on the porch. But it has also been a time for reading.
I wanted to take this opportunity to say it’s not too late for all of us to pass the light of reading on to the next generation. There’s plenty of time left in the summer and…it’s important!
Here’s why:
Reading is learning, and learning requires the telling of a story.
Throughout human history storytelling has been the most important way to convey lessons learned about survival, about the beliefs and traditions of a society…about civilization and our place in it.
Stories were repeated so that they would be remembered…and passed on. And stories engage emotions and allow us to put ourselves in the shoes of others.
Why reading helps us remember:
Brain connections between neurons (our neuro-networks) are strengthened when we engage our emotions and when we repeat the process…re-firing electrons that create and store information. Every time we pick up the book to continue our reading, or flip back through the pages to find something out, we repeat the brain’s association with and understanding of the story.
This is true not only for novels or short stories. Even more technical subjects like science or math are absorbed by the brain in a similar way. The advantage of stories is that they can be exciting, evoke emotions, and touch the reader…a bit of a task for math. But learning to read different things can help in remembering math and science as well.
Videos and movies are more passive media, since we don’t have to engage our imagination about the setting, characters, or action. It is reading that engages us more wholly.
Summer is a good time for all of us (especially kids) to put down the phone or tablet for a little while and invest the brain’s power in a more life-rewarding activity.
I asked my colleague, Mary E. Jackson, to share an article she wrote on this subject of the power of reading. Mary is a five-time #1 Amazon Bestselling author, co-founder and co-host of The Writer’s Corner Live TV Show and the Special Needs TV Show, which offers valuable resources for parents and caregivers. She’s also the host of the Cover to Cover radio show on Brushwood Network Media.
We hope you will help others by joining us in spreading the light of reading!
Thank you for sharing your valuable time with me!
Nono
PS: At the end of this short article there is a way to join Mary’s and my efforts to promote the real value that reading still has in educating our children and changing the world. Purchases of the Light Passers T-shirts and fun “stuffies” or Mary’s books, and helping her efforts all contribute to our joint support of kids’ organizations focused on their wellness, as well as their special needs.
Here are some excerpts of Mary’s article:
The Importance of Summer Reading for Children
School is out and summer is often a time for kids to unwind and enjoy their time off for several months. Reading can be fun even for children that struggle with it. Sometimes we must be creative. Here are some reasons why summer reading is important for children and some ideas to help encourage reading and maybe even a love for it.
1. Prevents Learning Loss
One of the primary benefits of summer reading is that it helps prevent the phenomenon known as “summer slide”. Research shows that children who do not engage in educational activities during the summer months can lose up to two months of reading progress. By encouraging summer reading, children can retain and even enhance their literacy skills.
2. Enhances Vocabulary and Comprehension
Reading regularly over the summer exposes children to new vocabulary and ideas, helping them improve their language skills.
3. Fosters a Love for Reading
When children can choose what they read, it often fosters a lifelong love for reading. Enjoyable books can spark imagination, encourage curiosity, and instill a sense of adventure.
4. Supports Social Interactions
Participating in summer reading programs at libraries, or community centers can help children
develop social skills. Book clubs, reading challenges, and themed events provide [additional]opportunities.
5. Encourages Family Bonding
Summer reading can also be a family activity. Parents can read with their children, discuss stories, or even create a family book club. This shared experience enhances family bonding and reinforces the importance of reading as a valued activity.
6. Fosters Independence and Self-Discipline
By choosing their own books and setting summer reading goals, children learn valuable skills like independence and self-discipline. This autonomy can boost their confidence and encourage them to pursue their interests.
Reading isn’t easy for every child and especially a child that has reading comprehension challenges or dyslexia. If your child was language delayed or non-verbal early in life then learning to read, retaining those skills, and feeling confident as a reader will be more difficult. Boys tend to have more aversion to reading than girls, but [there are] great graphic novels available to kids.
Summer reading is not just an enjoyable pastime; it is a vital component of a child’s education that helps to maintain skills and foster a love for literature. By prioritizing reading during the summer months, parents can support their children’s academic development and inspire a lifelong passion for books.
To get fun stuff and T-shirts to wear and share about the Light of Reading or other Light Passers items, click here while the 25% off sale is still available.
To see Mary’s full article and get some tips to encourage summer reading and help children who may struggle to find a love for literacy visit: https://wow.sherrileopold.com/wowmagazinelibrary
For more info on Mary, her books, and the work she does to support special needs programs for kids visit her website: Click Here