By Aneesah Kholwadia
Student Voice: A series of blog posts with a special student perspective.
1. Increase in Knowledge- An easy means of acquiring information is through reading. There is likely a book on any subject you wish to learn about. Even if you are not in an active search for specific information, reading can still be a means of education as, within a book, there are a wide array of themes discussed, therefore, we can pick up on new information.
2. Improvement in Writing- By engaging in literature regularly, our command of language massively improves as we are exposed to a variety of vocabulary rather than the contained selection that we hear daily. In addition, writing, as an art, manipulates the use of words to create a new form of sentences that we may not have been previously exposed to. As such, our interaction with this diverse language use improves our writing ability.
3. Stress Relief- When reading a book, an individual is absorbed within the reality of the book. It provides the necessary momentary escape from our own realities which can be a greatly refreshing experience. The distance we create from our worlds whilst reading allows a chance to engage in personal time that is rarely available in a world of constant communication with others. Therefore, reading is a welcome respite which can make it far easier to deal with daily stressors.
4. Mental Stimulation- The process of reading is an active cognitive challenge. If we take the example of a classic whodunnit crime novel, readers are constantly in anticipation of a final resolution and trying to solve the puzzle along with the story’s detectives. The following of a trail of clues is a form of mental exercise which maintains the brain’s health.
5. A Form of Quality Time with Children- In the business of our daily lives, it can be difficult to provide time for family. An easy way to achieve this is to allocate a daily reading time with children. Through this, we can bond with children over shared stories and adventures.
6. Improves Conversational Ability- Within literature, there is a goldmine of new ideas. Writers disperse their thoughts and ideas within the contents of their novels. After having read a novel, it is easy to add to the substance of a conversation by commenting on a recent read. Being aware of the range of theories and concepts within books means we can engage in stimulating conversations with relative ease.
7. Improves Critical Thinking- The purpose of literature is to explore the human condition and question it. This can be a great help in developing critical thinking ability. For example, reading about dystopian realities like that of George Orwell’s 1984 can enlighten us on the power of media influence. Therefore, we are less likely to consume information thoughtlessly and rather contemplate it critically in order to understand its true nature.
8. Develops the imagination- As we mainly live in fixed routines of jobs from 9am to 5pm or a school day from 9am till 3pm, the exposure of our minds is limited to this same conventionality. Reading is a doorway to a different brand of thought. Pick up a fantasy novel and notice the wild uniqueness of alternate realities which venture far beyond the humdrum of our habitual existences.
9. Improved Focus- In a time when technology is ever present and we bounce from a Snapchat notification to a work email to the television programme we are viewing, our attention is always divided. When reading, it is necessary to focus on the outplay of a plot in order to understand the movement of the novel. Therefore, this provides a means to practise focusing exclusively on one task which in turn improves our ability to complete tasks efficiently and to a high standard.
10. Develops Empathy- The breadth of literature means that, through reading, we are given insight into the lives of individuals which we do not directly interact with. This can help develop empathy as we can learn to understand the thoughts and feelings of others through the sufferings they endure. This, as a result, builds ease of tolerance and acceptance of others.