Reading for pleasure seems to be fading from the lives of many people today. I can remember when adults would read for the simple joy of reading. Adults would find time to read a book at the pool, beach, or park. Visit one of these natural attractions today, and it won’t take long to realize this just isn’t the case anymore.
With the Internet so accessible and social media advancing into every aspect of our lives, people have changed the way they enjoy their free time. This situation has caused many people to spend less time reading books and more time online. So let us lift the “social media pressure” clouding our free time and rediscover reasons why adults should read for pleasure. The reasons I give you are simple, and the benefits go far beyond pics, posts and “likes.”
Adults should read more to expand their horizons and gain knowledge; to feed the imagination by exploring new ideas or places; and to improve communication by applying new ideas.
Reading helps to expand your knowledge and horizons. A wise man once said, “Don’t let what you do know keep you from what you don’t know.” Turning the pages of a book can lead you down an unexpected path or adventure. Seek out your interests. There are many good books about parenting, gardening, Montessori, history, or whatever drives your curiosity. Find the book! When people read more, they have a bigger perspective and more to offer their communities.
Reading also feeds your childlike imagination. A good thing to remember: Your imagination never left you. In the chaos and business of life, our imaginations can easily be stifled, and go unheard. Books can rekindle the flame of the imagination, allowing you to set sail on new adventures and explore new places. Who knows, you may hold an answer the world is looking for.
Books are designed to improve communication and expand vocabulary. Being able to express your own ideas, thoughts, and feelings in a professional way enriches your home and career in a creative way.
All of us need to enjoy reading more often. Reading offers many benefits: You just have to want to expand your knowledge; feed your imagination; and improve your communication.
I know we should evolve with technology. It is good to know how to navigate and plug in to the many facets of the Internet, but we must also not forget the books. You never know who may be watching.
To honor the children in our lives and their joy for reading books, I leave you with a helpful diagram made by children.
Looking for a good book to read? Consider Kelly Johnson’s top summer read for parents. View her full synopsis of the book here.
Amen! I think it’s also really important to ensure our reading with our children is motivated by joy and love–not by the feeling of a “must-do” necessary to help their development.
I am very passionate about reading for all children, and about applying Montessori ideas to reading with our children. We’ve recently published a five-part blog post series on our Montessori school’s blog, which I thought you might find interesting. Here’s the link to the first of these posts, titled “Reading for Happiness”:
http://www.leportschools.com/blog/reading-for-happiness/
P.S. Thanks for the “Wild Play” book recommendation – it’s now in my Amazon wish list 🙂