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Importance of Reading
Most people view reading is an obligation given the standard academic system as well the requisite basic reading skills. In the context of this paper, reading is mentioned in reference to books and associated library materials. However, apart from reading to acquire knowledge considered vital in self-growth and improvement, reading is associated with numerous benefits. Reading can benefit an individual in reducing stress or anxiety since it helps the mind concentrate and relax. Depending on a person’s preference devotional and self-help books provide inner nourishment essential to counter life stresses. Additionally, reading revitalizes the brain in reference to reasoning, remembrance and strengthening an individual’s memory (Jacobs 2007). This makes the individual sharp and quick to understand in normal life an element increasing self-confidence.
Reading requires time and attention thus keeps individuals especially young people from indulging in less productive or risky behaviors. This is coupled by an expanded imagination and extensive knowledge enabling the reader relate as well as appreciate various aspects of life such as geographical regions, cultures even technological advancements. This also means reading can be a good source of entertainment as one learns to express self by reading literary works such as poems, adventures and fictions. Incase of parents and a child, reading provides a good forum to pass knowledge and bond. Moreover, readers are able to learn values important in life and accomplishing one’s goals by reading works by earlier writers as well as historians (Beebe 2007). An additional consequent for the reader is becoming well versed with significant world events both historically and presently. The knowledge obtained by this form of reading increases tolerance and unifies cultures given readers are able to understand other cultures values.
Challenges in Developing a Reading Culture
Currently, the reading culture has faced enormous challenges as compared to several decades earlier. The convectional challenges to reading were unavailability of reading materials as well as illiteracy however; the problems were alleviated by a great margin. Presently, the reading culture is faced by decreasing interest due to vast options for acquiring information and entertainment (Jacobs 2007). For instance, a teenager is likely to prefer social networking or video games to reading. Sadly, the options preferred to reading are not equally empowering to an individual in reference to knowledge and understanding. In fact, most of the options are distractions to effective knowledge acquisition given the possibility of addiction and enormous consumption of time (Marshall, 33).
The diverse media forms from television to internet have affected print media conventionally used to induce young people with reading enthusiasm. Print media in form of magazines and newspapers was used to evoke reading interest in young readers. However, its demand and production have decreased in the advent of accessible information on the internet and television networks further impeding development of the reading culture. Furthermore, the internet is preferred due to convenience while reading. For instance when reading a book one requires a pen and paper to scribble comments on the other hand internet make response while reading easier since paper\pen is eliminated. Another challenge is psychological where young people associate reading with the academic system involving examinations. The association leads to most youths avoiding the practice unless mandatory given earlier encounters in the academic system where reading was portrayed as a duty with no exterior incentives. Nonetheless, there are under developed regions where reading still faces a challenge due to illiteracy and unavailability of resources.
Role of School and Parents in Developing the Culture
Parents and educational institutions are close contact with young readers and thus mandated to develop a reading culture in children and youth. The motivation behind reading is closely associated with the purpose of reading. Consequently, parents and teachers should develop the love for reading in young individuals since it extends beyond academic success. The implication is allowing them to read what interests them amidst the required academic reading. Allowing different texts and readings will nurture other purposes for reading ultimately cultivating a love for reading. Parents specifically should advocate reading by providing materials for children as early as possible. While doing this they should consider the children’s interests and fore knowledge since interest and prior knowledge facilitate understanding.
Parents should follow up by informally enquiring concepts learnt by the children while reading since it indicates they value reading. Additionally, oral language is considered a vital component of early reading habits by children. Parents who encourage children to express knowledge learnt while reading through oral language enhance their children’s learning abilities. On the other hand, schools make silent reading programs more frequent as a means of upholding the reading practice. To overcome the psychological association between reading, academic success and examinations, young people should learn how to choose variant and appropriate texts. Students who are able to choose texts appropriate for their level are able to enjoy reading more. Additionally, parents and teachers should make relevant connections between reading and individual aspects such as life goals, hobbies or talents. This is important in motivating young people to read (George 75). Lastly, it is important to note practices instilled in people while of a tender age are easier to maintain into childhood thus parents encourage independent and extensive reading in children to increase the possibility of them reading while adults.
Solutions and Practices fostering Reading Culture in Young People
Reading should not be perceived as a substitute for technologically enhanced means of entertainment and knowledge acquisition but should be viewed as having a complimentary role. Typically, young people should be encouraged to create time in course of a day dedicated to reading. Additionally, they should be taught other benefits of reading apart from academic success such as relaxation. Provision of diverse and culturally relevant reading material is important in fostering and creating interest in youth towards reading. Integrating reading texts into interests, hobbies and trends fancied by young people can foster reading culture. For instance, social networking sites pooling persons with the practice of reading. Additionally it will create a positive perception towards reading given young people view reading as a convectional habit. Texts culturally and demographically relevant will also aid in eradicating the fore mentioned notion on reading.
Conclusion
Indeed the reading culture is deteriorating given the emphasis on a paperless society coupled with a preference for visual/images communication. However, reading encompasses irreplaceable benefits such as mental stimulation, memory improvement and passing on of culture. Erosion in the reading culture is traceable to the home where parents are not emphatic and informative on importance as well as diversity available in reading. On the other hand, teachers accentuate reading for academic success purposes leaving out other associated benefits. However, with provision of culturally and individually relevant reading text as well as from tender age, reading culture can be developed once more.
Work cited:
Beebe, Lauren. The Pioneer. Decline of American Reading Culture: Literature Struggle in Face of Pop Culture.2008. Web. 13 Dec 2011.
George, Diana, and Trimbur John. Reading Culture: Contexts for Critical Reading and Writing. New York: Longman, 2001. Print.
Jacobs, Allan, The American Scene: An On going Review of Politics and Culture. Bad Reading. 2007. Web. 13 Dec 2011.
Marshall, P D. The Celebrity Culture Reader. New York: Routledge, 2006. Print.
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