Reading: Benefits, Skills, and Techniques

“Go throw your TV set away,
And in its place, you can install
A lovely bookshelf on the wall.
Then fill the shelves with lots of books…”

-from the poem ‘Television’, by Roald Dahl

The reading habits of people are evolving—or perhaps, fading. The demands of modern life have led to a noticeable decline in the time and interest people dedicate to reading books. With the rise of bite-sized content and quick social media snippets, attention spans have shortened, leaving many feeling pressed for time or struggling to focus. In the time it takes to read a story, one could have watched multiple videos on social media or an OTT platform. While these platforms offer value in terms of knowledge and entertainment, reading remains a vital cornerstone of learning and personal growth.

Why is reading important?

Reading books opens up endless opportunities to explore and learn new ideas.
Developing a habit of reading from an early age strengthens vocabulary and communication skills.
A 2009 study by the University of Sussex revealed that just six minutes of reading can reduce stress levels by 68%.
Reading also serves as a mental workout, enhancing memory function and keeping the brain sharp.
Well-written books with rich emotional details and layered characters can deepen our ability to empathize.
As our brains continuously process, organize, and analyze information, reading plays a key role in honing these cognitive skills.
What skills can reading help build?

·  Decoding
Decoding involves the ability to sound out words that are familiar by sound but not yet encountered in writing. This skill relies on phonemic awareness—connecting individual sounds to letters—and understanding syllables, words, and phonemes. It’s a foundational reading skill.

·  Vocabulary
A strong vocabulary is crucial for understanding word meanings, definitions, and context. Expanding this skill requires reading a wide variety of books.

·  Fluency
Fluency is essential for effective reading comprehension. It involves reading with speed, accuracy, and proper understanding.

·  Sentence Construction and Cohesion
Understanding sentence structure and the connection of ideas within and between sentences—known as cohesion—is vital. This skill supports both reading and writing, helping readers grasp the flow and logic of a text.

·  Reasoning and Background Knowledge
Readers connect new information with what they already know, enabling them to make inferences and draw conclusions. Prior knowledge about the topic, setting, or context enhances understanding and engagement with the text.

·  Working Memory and Attention
Attention helps readers absorb information, while working memory retains it for comprehension. These executive functions are critical for reading success. Readers should revisit unclear parts of the text to build meaning and deepen understanding.

Read, read, read. Read everything–read trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read!”

—William Faulkner