1. Kids who read often and widely get better at it.

2. Reading exercises our brains.

Reading strengthens brain connections and actually builds new connections.

3. Reading improves concentration.

Children have to sit still and quietly so they can focus on the story when they’re reading. If they read regularly, they develop the ability to do this for longer periods.

4. Reading teaches children about the world around them.

Through reading, children learn about people, places and events outside their own experience. They are exposed to ways of life, ideas and beliefs about the world which may be different from those which surround them.

5. Reading improves a child’s vocabulary and leads to more highly-developed language skills.

This is because children learn new words as they read but also because they unconsciously absorb information as they read about things like how to structure sentences and how to use words and language effectively.

6. Reading develops a child’s imagination.

This is because when we read our brains translate the descriptions we read of people, places and things into pictures. When we’re engaged in a story, we’re also imagining how the characters are feeling. We use our own experiences to imagine how we would feel in the same situation.

7. Reading helps kids develop empathy,

You’re identifying with the character in the story so you’re feeling what he’s/ she’s feeling.

8. Children who read do better at school.

They do better at all subjects and they do better all the way through school.

9. Reading is a great form of entertainment!

A paperback book or an e-reader like the Amazon Kindle doesn’t take up much space so you can take it anywhere and you’ll never be lonely or bored if you have a book in your bag.

10. Reading relaxes the body and calms the mind.

When we read, we read in silence and the black print on a white page is much less stressful for our eyes and brains.