WHILE I was browsing from the internet on article I have to include in my speech during the Launching of the Division’s project, Project Rise (Reading Intensification for Sustainable Education) I came across an article written by Glenn Davis in 2016 entitled “Why Reading is Important”.
He started on a premise that reading is fundamental to functioning in today's society. He added that there are many adults who cannot read well enough to understand the instructions on a medicine bottle. He considers it is a scary thought - especially for their children. Others are filling out applications, reading road or warning signs and even following a map. These considered day-to-day activities that many people take for granted become a source of frustration, anger and fear.
Davis also pointed out that reading is a vital skill in finding a good job because many well-paying jobs require reading as a part of job performance. Aside from that, there are reports and memos which must be read and responded to. Thus, Davis said poor reading skills increases the amount of time it takes to absorb and react in the workplace.
After being able to start reading, little by little or depending upon one’s ability to respond, it develops the mind. Davis refers to the mind as a muscle that needs exercise. Understanding the written word which is being referred to as comprehension is one way the mind grows in its ability. Teaching young children to read in return, according to Davis’ article helps them develop their language skills likes listening. With this, reading helps children focus on what someone else is communicating.
Davis continues that in reading, we discover new things. He believes that books, magazines and even the Internet are great learning tools which require the ability to read and understand what is read. So Davis said a person who knows how to read can educate themselves in any area of life they are interested in.
Other advantages of reading is that it develops the imagination, develops the creative side of people, fundamental in developing a good self image. Aside from the mentioned above, good reading skills, especially in a phonics reading program, improve spelling, helps to expand the vocabulary and can give a better understanding of the word usage and its definitions, not just dictionary meaning
Finally, Davis underscores that reading important because words - spoken and written - are the building blocks of life. You are, right now, the result of words that you have heard or read And believed about yourself. What you become in the future will depend on the words you believe about yourself now. People, families, relationships, and even nations are built from words.
This Corner hopes Project Rise will succeed because it is for our learners’ future.