Why Reading is Still a Game Changer for Kids
President George W. Bush once entered a year-long reading competition with one of his senior staffers. Even while leading the free world, he read 95 books in a year.
And he still lost.
Jim Rohn says, ‘Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.’ Reading is not just a habit for global leaders; it’s a critical habit for a thriving life. I believe reading is more important than ever. Why? Because fewer people are doing it. Less than half of American adults read even one book last year, and only 27% of those were men. These numbers have been steadily dropping over the last decade.
But here’s the good news: the benefits of reading are undeniable. A consistent reading habit is linked to lower anxiety, longer life expectancy, higher income potential, and greater career advancement. Reading is not just the accumulation of information. It facilitates the formation of thoughts and ideas. The mind responds to reading how our body responds to exercise; it gets healthier and stronger. And the earlier a child starts reading, the stronger the impact.
Kids who read regularly develop bigger vocabularies, perform better on tests, and grow in emotional intelligence. I like to call reading a game-changer in a child’s development.
So, how can you help make reading a regular part of your child’s life?
Model it. My dad was a busy school administrator and coach, but he always made time to read. That left a lasting impression on me.
Read to them. I still read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ to my children each Christmas Eve. They are 23, 21, and 19. Start young, and keep going as long as they’ll let you. Strong readers are forged in the laps of their parents.
Give books as gifts. What we give tells kids what we value. Make books a regular gift to your children, and ask them to get you a book too!
Try e-books. Since the pandemic, I’ve read over 300 books, most on a tablet or phone. The convenience of having all of my books with me at all times gives me a better option than scrolling. Our children are digital natives. Use that to your advantage when building a reading habit with them.
Reward reading. Trade book time for screen time, give a financial reward when your child finishes a book, or take them to a blockbuster movie after they’ve read it.
At Indian Rocks Christian School, we take reading seriously. Our elementary students participate in fun reading challenges; many log millions of words yearly. Our students will read over 30 books in high school, including classics from C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, and William Shakespeare.
Why? Because reading helps shape graduates with sound minds, servant hearts, and skilled hands.
Reading is a life-shaping habit, and one worth prioritizing. If you’re looking for a school that champions a love of learning, I invite you to visit IRCS. Who knows, your child might even out-read a president someday.
Dr. Chris Hobbs is the Head of School at Indian Rocks Christian School. Follow him @Dr_ChrisHobbs and explore IRCS on Instagram @IRCSeagles or at ircs.org. On Instagram, IRCS is the most-followed K–12 private school in North America.
