READING FROM YOUNG
DEVELOPING A LOVE FOR LANGUAGE
Even the brightest student needs language to express himself, to make his thoughts understood, and also to understand abstract concepts. Poor language skills can severely hamper an otherwise smart child’s academic performance. Reading from young is an excellent way to develop language skills.
Grammar
Having good grammar from young is paramount, as it is more difficult to master grammar in adult years. As children age and progress onto secondary school and even in tertiary education, it is still far too common in Singapore to find students making simple grammar mistakes. This is because they have a weak foundation to start with, never progressing beyond Singlish.
Vocabulary
Reading builds strong vocabulary. This is crucial in English compositions. In English examinations paper 1 from primary to JC schools, there is significant weightage on the vocabulary component. And the only way to build up one’s vocabulary is to read more and read good books. Vocabulary can’t be memorized. One needs to know how to apply the right words and this can only be done via reading.
Spelling
Most people don’t know this, but spelling can be improved by reading. This is because reading widely, extensively and consistently exposes a reader to a wealth of words. The subconscious mind, seeing the same words over a period of time, will indelibly capture those words and improve spelling proficiency.
General knowledge
By reading, a child gains insight into the world around him. Intellectually, he develops faster than one who seldom reads. Students should not just read fairy tales or ghost stories but read newspapers and editorials, serious fiction and non-fiction. This reservoir of knowledge and critical thinking skills will come in handy in argumentative essays in the future, when the child reaches secondary school, and takes general paper in junior college (JC).