Here we are in the second half of the school year and all of a sudden news stories are filled with concern over the reading abilities of children. Being a good reader benefits children not only in Reading Class, but also benefits school success in in all subjects.

As a parent, be a good role model and let your children see you reading for pleasure at home. Reading is FUN and the more someone reads, the better reader he/she becomes.

1. Reading is the discipline required to concentrate and helps children be successful in life and in understanding other subjects, such as science, mathematics, and history.
2. Reading opens a child’s mind to the world and greatly increases his/her life prospects, as well making a good income. 
3. Readers develop an appetite for knowledge in a variety of areas. 
4. Good literature leads to appreciation of individual differences.
5. A reader learns spelling, vocabulary and grammar, which also improves his/her writing and communication skills.
6. Good readers are rarely dropouts. American college graduates earn 76 percent more on average than those with just a high school diploma.  
7. Good readers have improved problem-solving and critical thinking skills, in addition to developing a sense of imagination and creativity. 
8. A reader has an improved attention span and can comprehend news articles and other reading materials. 
9. Poor literacy leads to unemployment, poverty, and crime, according to the U.S. Department of Education.