The Importance of Reading

Ryan Toor

The Importance of Reading

Reflecting on my time in primary school, I can clearly remember my weekly trips to the library. As a kid, I always thought it was a great excuse to escape my math lessons! However, as I transitioned to high school, I began to realise just how important those library visits were. We would grab our library bags and fill them with two books, which seemed like a small haul at the time. Little did I know that those moments would play a significant role in nurturing my love for reading and writing.

Reading isn't just a pastime; instead, it is a fundamental skill that shapes our thoughts and creativity. I didn't truly grasp the significance of those early reading experiences until much later. It was only when I got to high school that I realised those library trips had sown the seeds of my passion for literature and self-expression.

When I think about the difference between physical books and e-books, I find myself leaning towards the joy of holding a real book in my hands. There is something magical about the feel of the pages as you turn them and how the story comes alive. Using e-books is convenient in today's digital world, but they don't capture that same enchantment. They have their advantages, but the experience of reading a physical book carries a sentimental value that's hard to replicate. This sensory connection makes reading more memorable and meaningful.

During early primary school years, I picked up a great habit that I still treasure today. I started compiling words from books that captivated or provoked my thoughts, forming what I called my "Vault of Vocab." This enchanting repository proved invaluable for my writing throughout primary school and the initial years of high school. Any time I encountered a word that resonated with me, I would note it down along with its definition

It's incredible how reading books and creating your own personal glossary can improve communication skills. By reading, you learn new words that you can use to express yourself better and incorporate into your creative writing. The lessons learned from those early reading and writing experiences are invaluable, highlighting the importance of nurturing literacy from a young age for lifelong benefits.