Make time for books

Many times, when you ask someone what they are reading at the moment, they will give you a blank stare. While learners are forced to read stories throughout school, it’s a pity to see how few of them keep on this habit into adulthood.

In America, a five-year campaign by the National Library Board called the National Reading Movement was launched to encourage people to read more, read widely and read together. Since the campaign’s launch, over 430 000 people have pledged to join the movement. The Library board is investing in programmes to promote reading and collaboration within communities. The website recommends interesting books to read, lists different reading related events that are taking place across the country and features articles such as Reading Tips for Kids, Tips for Lifelong Reading and Steps to setting Up a Book Club, among other useful resources.

People easily say that they would love to read more, but that they simply do not have the time. It’s true that our lives are busier and working full time, managing family commitments and getting around to all your social obligations can seem daunting. Research statistics, however, has shown that the majority of people spend time watching television each day or mindlessly surfing social media – so how is it possible that we don’t get around to one of the greatest joys of all in other words reading?

A common misconception is that you will find more joy from watching a TV series or movie about a book than actually reading the book itself. Most people who have read the Lord of the Rings, however, will say that the books are much more fascination than the three long movies that were produced. Similarly, the hit HBO series Game of Thrones is also based on books by George RR Martin, which are all fascinating reads.

There are so many benefits to reading that it’s hard to imagine why people prefer television or other types of entertainment. Not only does it lower stress levels and boost sleep quality, but it engages and entrances you in a completely different way. Books also don’t have to be the isolating experience that they were in the past. Joining a book club, for example, can expose you to different thoughts, ideas, perceptions and opinions about a book that you are reading as well as add a social element to the activity. There are also many online forums where you can engage with people who are reading the same author or book title that you are reading.

Digital copies of books, such as Kindle or e-Readers, make it easy for you to take your book with you. Instead of waiting in a queue while you are ordering your latte or sitting on a park bench and staring aimlessly into space while your kids run around, you can easily whip out your eBook and spend time in another virtual world. It’s time that we start making more time for books, not only for our own benefit but so that we can set an example for today’s youth and tomorrow’s leaders. Reading is one of the best leisure activities and it helps boost imagination, creativity and knowledge.

Our team at Stimulus Maksima! offers tools that help our clients, from toddlers to adults, to improve their English and Afrikaans reading and learning skills.

Find out more by visiting our website: www.stimulusmaksima.co.za