Reading is an important part of student education, which is why it is a large part of the current academic focus in schools across the country. However, reading is important even outside of the classroom, and fostering a love for reading outside the classroom is a great way to help your child prepare for their future. Here are four key ways that reading after the bell rings can help your child.
1. Improves Communication
At the basis of all communication, whether spoken or written, is a foundation in reading and understanding written words. Reading outside of school allows students the opportunity to improve their communication skills and comprehension. This will help students of all ages later on in higher grade levels and as adults as well.
2. Enhances Creative Thinking
When we read, our imagination takes hold and we can picture ourselves in the story or we can imagine what we are reading about. This builds on creativity and the ability to think in abstract ways and to use deductive reasoning to interpret what we are reading. This is important in many aspects of education and in the real world.
3. Keeps the Mind Sharp
Reading has been shown to help improve recall and mental sharpness and focus in elderly individuals and the same is true of young minds that are still growing and developing. Instilling a love and interest in reading at an early age can help keep the mind sharp and slow mental decline when it comes to memory and cognitive issues.
4. Encourages a Love of Learning
The final way your child can benefit from reading after school is it helps them develop a love of learning. Reading is one of the primary ways we learn and experience new things. So, with a love of reading, it will be easier for your child to learn things and grow their minds as they progress through their school years.
