Written by Denise L. Peroune, Ph.D.

 

At the beginning of this semester, I attended Curriculum Night at my daughter’s middle school. It takes place near the start of each academic year as parents and guardians are invited to meet with their child’s teachers
and hear firsthand the plans for the school year: the expected AKS (Academic Knowledge and Skills) students are expected to know and be
able to do in that particular grade or subject i.e. what their child will be learning, promotion requirements, enhancements to the curriculum such as projects, field trips etc.

The first teacher with whom we visited was the Language Arts teacher. I sat enthralled as she explained some of the activities these 13-year-olds would be involved in; the books they were required to read; the depth of reflection, critical thinking and application that were expected and encouraged, if students were to get the most out of her class. And, I yearned to have been a part of such an environment. The link between effective reading and critical thinking, and the ability to choose and act wisely outside of the classroom were clearly being demonstrated, not just to us adults, but to the young students. The goal was not simply about achieving the AKS for eighth grade, but equipping students to function effectively and contribute substantively outside of the classroom.

The walls of the room were covered with students’ work to date, and tips and quotes to motivate them. One large poster got my attention—Reading Reasons—and I had to jot it down. We hear that reading is a lost art. Maybe it’s worse than that. Maybe some have never even known the joy that a good book can bring, the way the imagination soars as you are transported in your mind (sometimes you forget that it’s only in your mind) to unexpected and unimaginable places.

Reading has been key in my life, not only because of the pleasure I experience, but because without it I would not have been able to function effectively in my many roles. So, maybe that’s the key, our young people still don’t know why reading is important. We tell them that everything else depends on it. At 6 or 8 or 16, that’s not a good enough reason; you believe that time is on your side.

So, let’s tell them why reading is worth being pursued with every cell of their being. Reading Reasons, the poster on the wall of my daughter’s eighth grade classroom, is a list of nine reasons why reading matters. It was developed by Kelly Gallagher, a California high school English teacher, and some of his students. The goal: to help his students understand the role of reading in their lives. So, tell a child why reading is important. Don’t wait for them to ask! Use Reading Reasons as talking points in your conversation with the children in your care. My favorite: Reason number 4. 
Reading Reasons 

1. Reading is rewarding.
2. Reading builds a mature vocabulary.
3. Reading makes you a better writer.
4. Reading is hard, and "hard" is necessary.
5. Reading makes you smarter.
6. Reading prepares you for the world of work.
7. Reading well is financially rewarding.
8. Reading opens the door to college and beyond.
9. Reading arms you against oppression.