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We know full well that reading is often about the joy of following a story, not being able to put it down at the end of every chapter and that bittersweet feeling you get when it comes to an end.
But reading also increases one’s vocabulary and improves spelling, boosts imagination and creativity and helps with concentration and comprehension. This is particularly important for younger children who are just now developing a love for reading, along with these and a multitude of other skills critical for growth.
Picking up a book and engrossing themselves in a story is rarely the go-to pastime for our kids, particularly after they’ve spent hours with their noses in their books doing their homework. So convincing them to read, instead of picking up the tablet or stretching themselves across the couch to watch television can be quite the challenge. But maybe, just maybe, if they hear it from one of their peers, they’ll give reading another go this Read a Book Day.
Master Caleb Stewart, one half of Brilliant Little Leaders (the other is his sister, Olivia), is an inspirational and motivational speaker. Brilliant Little Leaders are available for hire too, with their Facebook page explaining that they are on a mission to “inspire other kids to find the love for reading, to dream big and believe in themselves,” all the while “spreading the spirit of kindness”.
As part of his duties as a motivational speaker, of course, Caleb gave a talk as the keynote speaker at a middle school teachers’ back-to-school night.
“Thank you for having me,” he started. “I’m here to speak to you about the importance and benefits of reading.
“I personally read every day and absolutely love the adventure of reading.”
He continues, listing every benefit he’s got from reading:
“I will stand before you, and speak with confidence, and not be afraid.
“Reading every day has made me smarter.
“Reading has also strengthened my vocabulary and language skills, allowing me to pronounce new and big words, without even thinking about it.
“Reading has incredibly enriched my long-term memory, enhancing ideas, thoughts and... skills.”
- Also read: 5 tips to win at reading to your children
Caleb explains that developing a child’s literary skills is “one of the most important things parents and teachers can do” because “although books are an excellent source for reading, it’s one of the best tools for knowledge."
He concludes, “Kids should be encouraged to cultivate their imagination and find other materials they can read, such as newspapers, magazines, restaurant menus or maybe billboards, riding down the highway,” because it can “spark kids’ curiosity and expand their understanding”.
Inspired yet? Feeling motivated? What will you and the kids be reading today for Read a Book Day? And will you be reading on Saturday for International Literacy Day? Tell us by emailing chatback@parent24.com and we may publish your comments.
Read more:
- South Africa’s reading crisis: focus on the root cause - teacher training
- WATCH: 5 easy and creative DIY bookmarks for the new school term
- "3 crucial ways daycare centres can improve reading in SA": reader responds
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