The need to read

September 8 is International Literacy Day.

So what? I hear many people ask.

I don’t have time to read.

I can’t be bothered to read.

Reading is boring… but actually, we read all the time!

We read social media updates, road signs, food labels and information on goods we buy.

We need to know whether we should wash that new item of clothing in hot water or cold water – right?

And for that, you need to read the label.

Or the instruction manual that comes with your latest gadget.

Or what about recipes?

That’s reading, isn’t it?

Many people stick to magazines, newspapers or read online, and that’s all good but…

What about reading for pleasure?

To escape reality without going anywhere.

You can travel the world, learn about new places, time travel with science fiction and fantasy, or read sloppy romantic novels where the girl always gets the boy in the end (unlike real life!).

What about mysteries or those scary ‘Whodunnits’?

Okay! So books are not exactly cheap, but you don’t even need to buy them – join the library.

Or share with friends, as long as you look after the books and return them in the same condition you received them in.

If you don’t like reading… at least consider reading to your children!

It has been proven children who are read to from a young age have a distinct advantage over those who are not.

Children are naturally inquisitive and love to ask questions when a parent reads a picture book to their offspring, they are exposing them to different things.

They can point at pictures and say “What is that?” or “Who is that”.

It encourages youngsters to start thinking and asking questions.

It enhances a child’s vocabulary.

In addition to a better grasp of language, reading assists with spelling too.

We all love a good story, and bedtime reading (in any language) instils a love of books at an early age – something that stays with a person for the rest of their life.

Plus… a bedtime story is a great way to bond with your child.

You get to sit on the bed, snuggle with your nice clean child and read.

It’s a fabulous way of having one-on-one time in this overly busy world of ours where there is not always quality time for everybody.

Please read more people!

Sibo