READING FOR FUN? NO LONGER FUN! SAY WHAT?
It seems that reading for fun has become a thing of the past. According to recent reports, US students are experiencing a "crisis" when it comes to reading for pleasure. But why is this happening? And more importantly, what can we do about it?
First of all, let's talk about why reading for fun is important. Not only does it help improve your mental health by reducing stress and stimulating your brain, but it also exposes you to new topics, perspectives, and cultures. Plus, it's a great way to expand your vocabulary and learn more about yourself. And let's not forget the most important benefit of all - it's fun!
But despite all these benefits, it seems that fewer and fewer students are picking up a book just for the sake of enjoyment. According to the Nation's Report Card, only 14 percent of 13-year-olds and 11 percent of 17-year-olds reported reading for fun on their own time almost every day in 2020. That's lower than in previous years and even lower than the percentage of 9-year-olds who read for fun almost every day (a whopping 42 percent).
So what's the problem? Is it that students are too busy with schoolwork and extracurricular activities? Are they too distracted by technology and social media? Or maybe they just haven't found the right book yet?
Whatever the reason may be, we need to find a way to get students excited about reading again. One solution could be to recommend books that are both entertaining and educational. For example, why not try a humorous memoir like Tina Fey's "Bossypants" or a science fiction novel like "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy"? These types of books are not only fun to read, but they also offer valuable insights and perspectives.
Another solution could be to make reading more social. Start a book club with your friends or join an online community where you can discuss your favorite books with other readers. Not only will this make reading more enjoyable, but it will also help you stay motivated and accountable.
And finally, let's not forget that reading for fun should be just that - fun! Don't force yourself to read something you don't enjoy just because you think you should. There are plenty of books out there that cater to every interest and taste. Whether you prefer romance, mystery, fantasy, or non-fiction, there's something out there for everyone.
In conclusion, reading for fun is an important activity that should not be overlooked. It offers numerous benefits for both your personal and academic life, and most importantly, it's a great way to have a good time. So go ahead, pick up a book, and let yourself get lost in a world of words. Who knows, you might just discover a new favorite author or genre. And if all else fails, there's always the comic book section. Happy reading!
Reading for fun plunges to 'crisis' level for US students https://thehill.com/homenews/education/4093843-reading-for-fun-plunges-to-crisis-level-for-us-students/
THE DEFT DIVE
Reading for fun is a wonderful activity that can have many benefits for your personal and academic life. According to various sources, some of the benefits of reading for fun are:
- - Reading can help you improve your mental health by reducing stress, enhancing empathy, and stimulating your brain¹².
- - Reading can help you learn new things by exposing you to different topics, perspectives, and cultures¹²³.
- - Reading can improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words and expressions¹²³.
- - Reading can help you learn more about yourself by allowing you to reflect on your own experiences, values, and goals¹².
- - Reading can be fun by engaging your imagination, curiosity, and emotions¹⁴.
Bing, 7/13/2023
(1) The Benefits of Reading for Fun - The Edvocate. https://www.theedadvocate.org/the-benefits-of-reading-for-fun/.
(2) The Benefits of Reading for Fun - Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/benefits-reading-fun.
(3) The Benefits of Reading for Pleasure | Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/benefits-reading-pleasure.
(4) The Benefits of Reading for Fun. https://www.thereadingtutor.com/single-post/the-benefits-of-reading-for-fun.
According to the **Nation's Report Card**, which is based on the **National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)**, only **14 percent** of 13-year-old students and **11 percent** of 17-year-old students reported reading for fun on their own time almost every day in 2020¹. These percentages were lower than in previous years and lower than the percentages for 9-year-old students, who reported reading for fun almost every day at **42 percent**¹.
Bing, 7/13/2023
(1) NAEP Long-term Trends: Reading: Student Experiences - Nation's Report Card. https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/ltt/reading/student-experiences/?age=9.
(2) The Nation's Report Card | NAEP - National Center for Education .... https://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/.
(3) NAEP Reading: Reading Results - Nation's Report Card. https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/reading/.
(4) The Nation's Report Card. http://www.nationsreportcard.gov/.
(5) NAEP Reading: Reading Highlights 2022 - Nation's Report Card. https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/highlights/reading/2022/.