Reading train - Improve your reading skills

Is reading a good habit?

It is said that people don´t read enough.Not a lot of people read.Some blame the system,but I think the school is just a complement .Reading should start at home,by making the children get into it,reading tales,sitting them down on our laps and enjoying a good book together. A book is much more than just an object left on the shelves full of dust. We have to teach our children the habit of reading,observing,feeling and living the books.Reading should be a human necesity,such as laughing or dreaming.I recommend it as it´s a fountain of knowledge and pleasure. (Excuse my mistakes,English isn´t my spoken language) Any thoughts about this subject? Can you tell me your age when you answer,and also your nationality? Thanks!

Public Comments

We read quite a lot British
I'm a librarian and a life-long reader. I have taken courses in reading motivation, and I have worked in elementary schools where a high priority is placed on reading. BUT, I disagree when you say you should "make" children read. No. You need to try to get them to want to read. You can bribe or threaten, and they'll read what they have to, but getting them to want to read is another thing. These people who wail that kids don't read enough probably don't do a lot of reading themselves. If a child sees a parent reading at home, that teaches the child more than anything else ever could. Children learn what they live, and they emulate what they see their parents do. To raise a reader, be a reader.
I love this question! I couldn't agree more. Reading these days often seems to be unfashionable but without it you are unable to take in a lot of what is going on around you. Reading develops intelligence and promotes a mature outlook. Everyone should read. (30, Australian)
Reading is not emphasized as it once was, that's true. I think reading is a great way to expand minds, broaden horizons, engage the imagination, and even help some with spelling and grammar skills (when you see/read it done correctly, you're more likely to remember what you've seen and be able to mimic it). I'm from the US, 43 yrs old, and learned to love reading as a kid (my Mother read a LOT).
Yes reading is one of the best habits you can have. Children often pick up on what they see their parents doing and that's how my two sons started reading. Sad to say I don't read half as much as I would like to. I have joked to others about moving to Iceland were the average person reads away the long winter. I'm from New Jersey and lets just say I'm old.
reading is definitely a good habit! it improves vocab, imagination, and other important functions in the brain. i have been reading for about as long as i can remember, but i wasn't forced into it, i just...did, i think it may have had something to do with my nan,she died when i was little, but i didn't know my father at the time, and my mother can barely read, so it had to be her, i think i just copied her(she did nothing but read!) 18, English
Yes, not only it is a good habit but a good past time, as well. Books are silent musical instruments, if you know what I mean. |<rypton
i have been reading as long as i can remember but i never did with my parents although i did read to and with my son and he doesnt pick up a book at all, reading is one of my greatest pleasures, at the moment i am reading here be dragons by sharon penman, if you like historical novels with more fact than slush then give this a go....i am british by the way and it is rude to ask a lady her age ( 37 )
Yes, reading is a very good habit. I would disagree a bit when you say "Not a lot of people read." Many people read, perhaps not enough, but still, plenty do. Reading habits are changing. Some people read books in paper. Some read books and other material on-line. You are right that children should be encouraged to read early in life. Reading to children is beneficial, but children should also see adults reading on their own. Then the adults should talk about what they've read. Good luck. I am a 60 year old American.
reading is a great and important habit. it keeps one's mind sharp. there are studies out there that say that reading (and puzzles) help to keep our minds active as we age, and indications are that it can affect things like memory and conditions that are related to that. it keeps us connected to things we cannot always see or do ourselves, for whatever reason. it keeps us connected to others. it helps us to learn, about the world, our surroundings, our past. it helps us to dream, to focus, to grow, to get outside ourselves at the same time that we are building memories and connections within ourselves.
I am in my 70`s, English and I read my first book when I was 8yrs old and have been hooked ever since. I read on average 2 books a week, since I have been retired. I made sure both my sons could read by the time they were 6yrs old. I think when you can read a book it opens up the world and all that`s in it. What you don`t know you can always find out by looking things up. I feel very sorry for people who are unable to read. I think much more effort should be made in school so all children can enjoy what reading can give them.
Im 17 and from Brazil Reading is the best...makes u forget all ur problems....makes you travel without a ticket...I love it
reading is a really good habbit.
I love to read. I sometimes wonder how society might be different if we did more reading instead of sitting in front of the tv watching reality shows. I think it is indeed a great habit. It expands your thinking and perspective in so many ways. I'm a 32 white girl.
I started reading when I was about 15 and have never stopped. It is a great passtime and I love it.
yes corse reading is a good habit but ppl think its for geeks and stuff in cali like no one i know reads besides ppl in my family there all to lazy im 12 white grl
I'm 38 and Canadian. I'm an incessant reader. I started reading at about five years old and haven't stopped since. My kids love to read, too. We home school. Not only does our curriculum contain a lot of literature, we also have a reading time, every day, usually right after lunch. Everybody stops what they are doing, picks up a book and sits down in a favorite place for no less than thirty minutes. They usually wind up going for much longer.
i have always been encouraged to read from a young age, and because of that i read every day without fail, my older brother hasnt picked up a book in around 20 years, i think its so sad, i find books so relaxing and they give me a chance to unwind, i read every nioght before i go to bed, and i honestly cant sleep unless i read, reading keeps my mind so active and i love discussing good books, im happy to say i've influenced everyone around me (sometimes forcing) them into reading books =) im still working on my brother though! xx