The first books I remember reading were African fictional tales including: Ananse in The Land of Idiots, Things Fall Apart, The Kaya Girl, The Gods Are Not to Blame. I was awed by Ananse In The Land of Idiots where a common spider (Ananse) was very cunning and greedy. At that point in time, I loved imagining every character. As an adult now, I never imagined I would live in my own Ananse In The Land Of The Idiots with the way the world is now! I digress. What then do we say reading is?

Reading is defined as a cognitive process of making sense from letters, symbols etc. by seeing or touching. For educators and tutors, reading is an all-round process involving areas such as word recognition, orthography (spellings), the alphabet, vocabulary, fluency, pronunciation and the most important are being able to comprehend these letters and symbols etc. (Reading). This blog seeks to enlighten the reader about The Importance of Reading. 

1)   You Gain Valuable Knowledge

An obvious benefit of reading every day is learning. Books provide access and in-depth knowledge. If you want to become more productive in the area of Geography, which do you think will help you gain more knowledge:

1. A book by someone who has studied Geography for 20 years, or

2. A 5-minute YouTube video?

The one who read the books of course!

2)   You Improve Communication Skills

The ability to learn improves the ability to strengthen your communication skills. Fast forward to the most recent GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey: communication-related skills remain the top skills employers look for as at 2020. (GMAC'S report). Reading influences writing skills and increase vocabulary which in turn improves communication skills.  

3)   You Increases Skills in An Area of Interest

Reading about your specific field of interest helps you to gain insights which increase your chances of success in that area. Whilst increasing your skills, it helps prevent avoidable mistakes through gaining factual knowledge and learning from others’ experiments and challenges faced. 

4)   It Reduces Stress

Research has proven that 30 minutes of reading can lower blood pressure, heart rate and feelings of psychological distress. According to Dr. David Lewis, the cognitive neuropsychologist who conducted the study, “Losing yourself in a book is the ultimate relaxation”. (Dr. David Lewis' report) Reducing stress means improving your mental health resulting in an improved standard of life.

5)   Aids Exploration of Self

Reading can both be an escape from stress and an adventure at the same time. When you read, you have an opportunity to see and think in new ways; learn about cultures, certain events and people you might have never have imagined existed. It helps you adopt methods of thinking that can reshape and enhance the way you view life.

Reading is itself a teacher. It is informative, transformative and a powerful tool for adults and children alike. Let’s institute reading as a staple in our lives and that of our children’s.

Written by: Kendra Amoako, Administrator 

Edited by: Zara Muirhead, Director