Reading is one of those rare activities that can be as fun as it is good for you. There are so many different books, magazines and newspapers that it is easy to find something enjoyable and educational. Summertime is a great time to grab a book and start reading.
If it is a lovely day out, students can read while lounging by the pool or on the beach. If it is a rainy day, reading inside is a always an excellent option. Looking for entertainment? Look no further than your bookshelf.
During the school year, with so much to do, reading for pleasure can be hard, but during the summer, students have freer schedules and time to lose themselves in a good book.
Still not convinced? Here are eight reasons why reading is important for college-bound students to succeed.
How Can Reading Make Your Student More Successful?
1. Reading helps strengthen vocabulary.
A student who reads high-quality books, newspapers, or magazines, in addition to (or even instead of) vocabulary flashcards will build up an arsenal of ready-to-use words that will come in handy down the road. Come across an unfamiliar word while reading? Look it up, and write it down! You’ll be more likely to recall it later.
2. Reading helps students do better on tests.
Both the ACT and the SAT require students to demonstrate reading comprehension. Reading often before taking the test will give those students an edge on other students. Students who frequently read will be more likely to finish on time with more correct answers.
3. Reading helps students do better in college.
Students are expected to do a lot of reading once they start college. One way to prepare for all that college reading is to start earlier. Read widely and on different subjects as often as possible. Good readers are good college students.
4. Reading helps improve writing.
Being a better writer will help students in their assignments in high school, their college applications, their college coursework, and in virtually all professions they may pursue after. Authors often note that reading masters of the craft helps them improve their own writing.
5. Reading widely helps students learn a variety of subjects.
A student who reads from many different subjects is exposed to more points of view. This helps them become more well-rounded, open-minded, and more equipped to handle challenges they encounter later in life.
6. Reading newspapers and news magazines helps students know what is going on in the world around them.
7. Reading may spark new interests, hobbies, or career paths in students.
Who knows what a good book could inspire them to accomplish?
8. Reading keeps the mind active over the summer.
This helps students ease into back to school transition in the fall. Starting on the right foot can keep students on track for better grades all year long.
What to read?
Luckily for college-bound students, there are endless reading materials. Fiction or non-fiction, newspaper or novel, students can find something for them.
Some schools have required summer reading. If that’s the case, use summer reading lists as a guide.
If students don’t have summer reading lists but want suggestions, they can do a google search to find out what other schools have their students reading over the summer. They can also check out the local library or bookstore for recommendations or to browse and see what catches their eye.
Students can find recommendations online. Each year, the New York Times, Washington Post, and other major newspapers and magazines publish lists of their favorite fiction and nonfiction books of the year. Local and internet booksellers often have lists of staff picks—booklovers are always happy to recommend their favorite reads!
Here are some websites for exploring summer reading options:
The National Endowment for the Humanities has a list of recommended books for the college-bound.
Students should check out the New York Public Library for thematic book lists.
Already have a favorite book? Check out What Should I Read Next? for reading recommendations based on your favorite authors or books.
The choices are limitless, so grab a good book and start reading!
