Unlock the power of knowledge; 5 compelling reasons to read books

There is a reason why everyone insists that children and adults alike read books. The history of reading books dates back to ancient times when the first forms of writing were developed. The earliest written texts were often religious or legal and were recorded on stone tablets or papyrus scrolls.

Over time, the development of the printing press in the 15th century made it possible to mass-produce books, making them more accessible to the general public. This led to an increase in literacy rates and a greater interest in reading.

According to Jyoti Goyal, Primary teacher at Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri who also teaches Hindi reading books is the best way to enhance your language skills. “Be it Hindi, English, or even Sanskrit, the more you read the better you will get when it comes to writing, speaking, and even reading. Students can read any kind of book – fiction or nonfiction. Both genres can improve their vocabulary. When you come across new words, you get to know their meaning and how they can be used. This can improve students’ language skills over time,” Goyal said.

It’s easy to understand why reading books has been a cherished pastime for centuries. Whether it’s curling up with a good novel or delving into a thought-provoking non-fiction book, there are countless benefits to reading books.

Improved cognitive function: Reading regularly has been shown to improve cognitive function in several ways. Reading can help improve brain connectivity by stimulating different areas of the brain that are involved in language processing, comprehension, and visual imagination. This, in turn, can help to enhance memory and analytical thinking skills. Reading has been shown to slow down the cognitive decline associated with aging, reducing the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. A study conducted by Rush University Medical Center found that people who read regularly had a 32 per cent lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those who didn’t read at all.

Expands knowledge and creativity: Books are a great way to expand knowledge and inspire creativity. Reading non-fiction books can expose readers to new ideas, concepts, and perspectives, helping to enhance their understanding of the world. Fiction, on the other hand, can transport readers to different times and places, providing a window into other cultures, experiences, and ways of life. Reading can help to inspire creativity. Reading about different topics, characters, and scenarios can spark new ideas and ways of thinking, encouraging readers to think outside the box and come up with unique solutions to problems.

Reduces stress: Reading is a great way to unwind and relax after a busy day. Research by cognitive neuropsychologist Dr David Lewis has shown that just six minutes of reading can be enough to reduce stress levels by up to 68 per cent. This is because reading can help to lower heart rate, reduce muscle tension, and promote relaxation.

Improves empathy and emotional intelligence: Reading can help to improve empathy and emotional intelligence by exposing readers to different cultures, experiences, and perspectives. Reading about characters who have had different life experiences or who come from different backgrounds can help readers to develop a deeper understanding of other people’s emotions and experiences.

Boosts imagination and visualisation skills: When reading a novel, readers are required to imagine the characters, settings, and events described in the book. This can help to improve visualisation skills and stimulate the imagination.

“All schools have a library that the students must take advantage of. If the children are not used to reading, they can start small and begin by reading articles in newspapers or magazines to pique their interest and build from there on,” Goyal said in conclusion.

---

Students can read any kind of book – fiction or nonfiction. Both genres can improve their vocabulary. When you come across new words, you get to know their meaning and how they can be used. This can improve students’ language skills over time

–Jyoti Goyal, Primary teacher at Apeejay School, Charkhi Dadri