When I was in High School, I wasn’t very good at reading my English novels. It was very rare to have one grab my attention. I did read them – my teachers used to make us write a summary of each chapter as proof – but I didn’t always enjoy it.

• It is estimated in your lifetime, you will write up to 45 million words (more if you write a weekly newsletter article).
• Readers are better at connecting to others. Empathy is a skill readers develop by picturing themselves in another person’s situation as they read; and empathetic people find it easier to connect with others.
• On happiness surveys, people who read often indicate greater levels of happiness. 
• People who read frequently on average live 2-5 years longer than non-readers. Paul explained that research shows reading allows a person to transcend their own world as they become involved in the world in their book. This escape leads to lower levels of stress, leading to improved mental and physical health.

If your child is not an avid reader, I encourage you to find subjects they are interested in and have them read books about those areas. Any type of reading at (or above) a student’s level has positive impacts in many areas, including their learning.

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