Why is reading important?

Did you know that technologies like TV, movies and video games are changing the way children’s brains develop, so they need constant action ?  

Did you know that today’s children don’t read as well as children in the past?

Did you know that more and more jobs need people to be able to read?  

Sports stars and musicians practise a lot - Readers need to practise too!

Reading is important because...

1.     Children who read for pleasure are more successful at school.

2.    When they read information, (fact books, newspapers, some magazines and websites etc) they learn about what’s going on in the world.

3.    Because they understand more about the world, readers are more likely to get involved in public life (e.g. vote for Governments, join committees etc.)

4.    When they read stories, readers see how the characters handle problems. This can help them learn to handle problems too.

5.    Reading develops concentration skills.

6.    When they read, children learn to recognise words quickly, so they become faster readers.

7.    They learn new words and their meanings, so have more language they can use.

8.    Readers see correct spelling and sentences - a lot! They also see how authors use language to make their writing interesting. This can help readers develop their writing skills.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE encourage your child to read! 

Join the public library (it’s free); visit second hand shops or look on Trademe; buy books from Scholastic book clubs (brochures will be sent home every month); or subscribe your child to a magazine they love. 

Each week for Homework your child may have a short reading exercise. Please encourage them to do it.

Every child should also have THEIR OWN BOOK to read in their own time. 

This book should be easy enough for them to read on their own. It should be interesting enough for them to WANT to read it. Please do not force them to read – we want them to LOVE reading!

Please help them choose a book carefully. These ideas may help.

1.     Look at the cover – does it look interesting?

2.    Read the back of the book (or sometimes inside the cover) to see what it’s about.

3.    Open the book and read a little inside to see if the print size and spacings are big enough.

4.    Check the words in the book are easy enough to read and the story sounds enjoyable.

Even a few minutes reading each night will help.  Perhaps share the reading. Sometimes your child reads to you and sometimes you read to them.  This will be worth it!!! Thank you for your support!