The Importance of Reading in English

Reading is one of the four skills that our children must develop throughout their lives. At Luyferivas, children study English every day in order to acquire the language in an efficient way. We must not forget that it is important to get students used to reading in English as well, as it will help them to improve their comprehension and their overall level of English.

This skill helps pupils to improve their vocabulary, spelling, grammar and writing. While we read, we are learning new words and we observe how they are spelled, so our vocabulary field expands and our spelling improves. We also learn how texts are organised in different ways, so when we have to write a text we can base it on models that we have read before. At school, students practice reading in every English lesson, and in other subjects like: Natural Science, Social Science, YLE and KET. 

There are two basic techniques that students should use when reading: skimming and scanning. Sometimes, when we read, we don’t need to pay attention to every single word because we just want to read it very quickly to find a specific word. This is when we need to use the scanning technique, which consists of reading the text fast to find that word. When we want to read a text quickly to get the general idea of the text, we use the skimming technique. For example, we use skimming when we browse through a novel to see if we are interested in reading it or not.

We know that our students read in English at school, but it is also important to read in English at home. When they are young, they can start by reading picture books, like the ones that they like in their native language, but this time in English.  Some classic examples are: “Pinocchio”, “Cinderella” or fables such as “The Tortoise and the Hare”. Other interesting storybooks for them are: “The Gruffalo”, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” or “Room on the Broom”. If they get used to reading when they are little, they will get into the routine of reading for enjoyment and not reading as a compulsory activity, as happens with some older children, and even adults. 

When they get older, they can read articles in magazines or newspapers, books, novels and we cannot forget the dictionary. It is essential for children to know how to use a dictionary so they can learn new words each time they have to look something up. Reading also improves students’ creativity, it sparks their imagination and it exercises their brain. Some interesting books for primary students are: “Matilda”, “The Little Prince”, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, “Ivy and Bean”, “The Chronicles of Narnia”, “Harry Potter” and “Treasure Island”.

Last but not least, it is important not to feel frustrated or get upset if you are reading a book in English and you do not understand every single word. The important thing is to start by getting the general ideas and once you develop a reading habit, you will begin to understand more and more words. And remember: “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one” (George R.R. Martin).

Bibliography:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/factsheet/en05skim-e3-f-skimming-and-scanning
https://www.momjunction.com/articles/best-story-books-your-kids-will-love-forever_0077131/#gref
https://www.englishmate.com/blog/developing-four-essential-skills-listening-speaking-reading-writing/
https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/reading