The Importance of Reading

The ability to verbally communicate with others, is a direct result of reading and writing being taught at a young age. I don't mean to be critical, but if this is a new concept for you, well, maybe illiteracy is part of your inability to understand the importance of reading.

I was brought up from birth until the age of eighteen, without a television in my home. This was due to my family's religious beliefs, and at the time, I absolutely hated it. But as result of not having a T.V. readily available to me, I have read an astounding amount of literature; more books than I could even begin to count. I do realize that this was not an average upbringing, but being exposed to so much reading, did not only increase my levels of literacy, but has also taught me a great deal of knowledge, that I otherwise would not have learned.

But this article is not about me and my personal past. I have only mentioned my personal experience in relation to the relevance of exposure to reading and writing at a young age.

Teaching reading in the classroom shouldn't even be a question. If a person can't read, he/she is left with very little chance for success in life. I realize that the classroom is not the only forum for the instruction of literacy, but let's be honest; how much time does your child spend at home or at the library reading books? I don't even need to hear your response; I already know it. I do not mean to insult your parenting skills, but let's face it; T.V. and IPOD's are this generation.

I know, because I have many friends who despise reading, that if you are not an experienced reader, it can be very frustrating and time consuming. Everything from, staying focused to pronouncing words correctly can very easily cause someone to quickly abort an attempt to read a book.