Story by Judy Spaar
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”
This quote is by Albert Einstein. I have it on the wall of my home! There truly is no limit to what we can know and learn throughout our lives. What better way to open our minds than by reading books or any written word?
Since October happens to be National Book Month, get in the spirit and challenge yourself to find something new to read about, fiction or not.
Whether you are 3 years old or 101 years old, reading can open your world to new ideas. It is an escape from our daily lives and helps us dream for a few moments. When my children were young, I read to them from the moment they were born, and even before. We held Harry Potter all-nighters when the newest book would come out. Each of my daughter’s friends would yell out, “I finished a chapter!” as they read.
My sister, Becky, is a kindergarten teacher in Texas, and understands that her students all learn at their own pace. Her yellow lab, Ocean, comes to school with her so students can read to him.
“Reading and interpreting multiple forms of texts can be a daunting task. Thankfully, students in any classroom can learn the analytical capabilities of a skilled reader,” she commented. “Patricia Hilliard wrote in her book, ‘Teaching Students the Skills of Expert Readers,’ that this practice takes time and patience. With purposeful implementation of these strategies across all subject areas, students can progress from dependent, inactive readers to highly skilled thinkers who independently process information from a text. Also, reading to dogs provides a relaxed and calm environment where we can make mistakes with no judgment!”
Reading offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. It can improve cognitive function, reduce stress, enhance sleep, and potentially increase longevity. Reading also expands vocabulary, improves writing skills, and fosters empathy and imagination. It results in improved brain function as it engages various parts of the brain, strengthening neural connections and potentially delaying cognitive decline.
Also, it can enhance memory as remembering characters, plot points, and details in a book can improve memory function. When you go back several pages and even take notes, you are expanding your thinking. And how about increased vocabulary? Words you don’t often use will enhance your conversations. For example, you could say “the crowd dissipated,” instead of “they all left.”
Analyzing narratives, characters, and plot developments can sharpen critical thinking and problem-solving abilities while prompting better focus and concentration. This can carry over into other areas of your life. Reading fiction can help individuals understand and empathize with different characters and situations, fostering emotional intelligence.
And what better escape than a good book! Reading allows individuals to learn about a plethora of diverse topics, which expands their knowledge base and offers a new perspective on life. Stress relief can be felt as you immerse yourself in a story or subject you are interested in. The emotional benefit of the anticipation of finishing a story is palpable.
Any parent knows that having children read before bed can be a calming activity that improves sleep quality. Consider getting one of those book lights that attaches to your headboard or book for a tranquil ambience maker.
You and your kids can vicariously experience the lives and emotions of characters, which encourages a greater capacity for empathy and understanding. And whether you are a writer like me or a believer in imagination, reading will surely stimulate your thoughts and allow you to explore new worlds and possibilities.
Of course, reading well-written material can improve your own writing skills and even your social skills. When you have a broader understanding of our world and different perspectives, it will enhance your social interactions and communication.
According to Verywell Health, some studies suggest a link between reading and increased lifespan. This is likely due to the cognitive and social benefits associated with reading.
We all have our favorite books. I can even remember where I was while reading some books. When The Help by Kathryn Stockett was published, I was sitting beside my neighborhood pool watching my children swim, and every color of the rainbow was swimming together! If you have read it, you will understand how grateful I was to be living in this era. Others I enjoy rereading include Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and A Painted House by John Grisham.
What are your favorites? Consider starting or joining a book club, either online or at home. The sharing of thoughts and ideas will draw you into the wonderful world of reading, and you may learn something about your friends you didn’t know.
