Even in the 21st Century, Reading is Still Important

Members of Bookmarked looking for the next great book 


Stephen Krashen has been conducting national studies for years that show the power of reading in improving children’s lives. He states that there is much evidence illustrating the value of free voluntary reading or recreational reading. Over the past 20 years, research has shown that students who read independently and freely perform better in school with reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary. No matter what path our students choose in life, be it science, technology, math, humanities or the arts, they will need to be able to read critically to succeed and perform at their job. Since the beginning of 2014, I have added many new books to the shelves of the PFTSTA Library. Some students have walked through the doors to find these books and check them out. Yet, even with the influx of new books, I am not seeing a rise in circulations. This concerns me, though, there may be several factors causing this. It could be because the students have an electronic device and are reading books on a Kindle, Nook or iPad. Or maybe the kids are visiting the public library often or like to own the books he/she reads and buys books at a local bookstore. Whatever the case, children should be reading daily. They should always have a book to read at their bedside and in their backpack when time allows. If a student needs something good to read, please encourage them to visit the library to see what is new and what might interest them. 


Sharing recently arrived ARCs with members of Bookmarked
I say to read what you love so that you will learn to love reading. Here is a quote from Maya Angelou that says it even better: “Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him.” 


Today, members of Bookmarked received a Spirit Monkey that shows their commitment
to reading to add to their PFTSTA key ring.


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