Reading for pleasure

Reading for pleasure  

                                                

People who read for pleasure are most likely to be confident, motivated, independent and enthusiastic. When reading, the mind is eased and relaxed, while transforming the individual into a different world where they are able to visualise themselves within the story. Readers seem to get lost in a book and find themselves relaxed, whilst abandoning any thoughts of any present problems or worries.  

Clark (2012) suggests that unfortunately there are less children and young people who are now reading because they have so many other competing demands in their lives. This is due to the use of technology implemented in both learning environments and homes which is reducing the amount of young readers nowadays. People need to realise and appreciate the benefits of reading for pleasure and how it makes a positive impact on children and young people. There are many benefits when reading for pleasure. Sleeping patterns significantly improve if an individual has a routine of reading, as they will begin to adapt this routine to sleeping. Carolyn L. Burke Joby G Copenhaver (2004) declares that ‘hearing it revives old experiences and feelings we may have forgotten. Creativity and imagination are also enhanced through reading. This is due to the fact of getting lost in a book and being stimulated with curiosity towards the outcome of the story. A reduction of anxiety also takes place as individuals enter into a relaxed state while they are engrossed in a book. The readers become fascinated by different aspects within a book. For example; certain phrases that are mentioned throughout, the scene in which the story is set, and the bonding towards the characters in their appearance or personalities. These examples may influence the reader’s imagination and thoughts. This results in possibly having a close relationship with certain texts or quotes which may affect their attitude towards different situations throughout their life. According to Donaldson, children ‘stimulate their imaginations and promote enjoyment in learning and the education of children and young people should include rich experiences that are valuable in their own right’ (Professor Graham Donaldson CB, 2015, p.38). Another benefit of reading for pleasure is that children and young people become intrigued as to what is going to become of the characters and the outcome of the book, creating a cliff-hanger scenario. This creates a sense of wonder and suspense, which enables the reader to use their own imagination and to think alternatively.  

Reading for pleasure is essential for youngsters because it promotes their wellbeing, as they are relaxed, and it refreshes their mind so when they have finished reading, they feel like they have a clear mind. Reading also develops social skills. This is because they may increase their confidence from reading and have an understanding that every individual is different but should be treated the same. Also, most stories contain messages which consists of a lesson to be learnt or morality. Independence is enhanced through reading. Children have the opportunity to read whenever they like, along with making their own choices on how they view the characters and any situation that develops in the story. The Kantian tradition, especially the philosophy of Hannah Arendt, instead shows that a world is what gives every representation its implicit background-its character of having additional details ready to be told. (Helms, Eleanor D, 2015). Therefore, behind every character there is always a story in which the reader may relate to. Children and young people develop hobbies and interests when they read for pleasure because they are connecting with characters and can sometimes relate to them. In some cases, they aspire to be one of the characters in the book or learn a lesson from knowing that someone has done wrong. Here are some reasons for why it is essential for children and young people to read books: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxPs2tVNB4w 

There are ways to promote reading for pleasure with children and young people. For instance, maintaining books and displaying them in places where children will visit and attract their attention, encouraging them to look at the books and take interest. For the places that children will visit, such as museums, parks, shops, events and schools, it is important to provide children with a quiet area in order to read and concentrate on their book. In learning environments, practitioners usually provide children with the stimulation to read as they organise a reward scheme and events. Polly Atkinson (2019) suggests that practitioners can support children with their reading in order to persuade them to remain stimulated into continuing to read. This can take place by talking about texts and asking questions; encouraging children to make connections between the text and their own experiences; forming conclusions from texts; furthering their vocabulary. This encourages children and young people into becoming effective readers, allowing them to become passionate about reading which is widely recognised to having an impact on the reader.  In the classroom, a reading wall has the best individual readers who have continuously adhered to their tasks. Book corners are also provided in schools to promote children’s reading. Most are decorated with the “book of the week” display, in which to interest students of the favourite book that have been read.  

Reference List  

Carolyn L. Burke Joby G (2004) Animals as People in Children’s Literature, Vol. 81 No. 3 

Clark, C. (2012) Children's and Young People's Reading Today. Findings from the 2011 National Literacy Trust's annual survey. London: National Literacy Trust. 

Helms, Eleanor D (2015) CLOSED DRAWERS AND HIDDEN FACES: ARENDT'S KANTIAN DEFENSE OF FICTIONAL WORLDS Vol. 39, Iss. 1A,   

Professor Graham Donaldson CB (2015) Successful Futures: Independent Review of Curriculum and Assessment Arrangements in Wales. OGL. P.38 

Polly Atkinson (2019) Promoting Reading for Pleasure. Available at: https://ukla.org/resources/details/promoting-reading-for-pleasure (accessed: 22/04/19)