The Benefits of Reading
Reading is the best thing we can do for ourselves. Not only does reading enrich our lives, it can also enrich the world around us. It has been stated that, "The more you read, the better you get at it; the better you get at it, the more you like it; the more you like it, the more you do it. And the more you read, the more you know; the more you know, the smarter you grow".
The benefits of reading last a lifetime. Reading well affects a person's academic and professional success. However, it has been found that Malaysians do not read enough. Many students do not read beyond the materials of the school curriculum. With the existence of television and the advancement of computers with the internet, books have taken a backseat. The young today prefers sprouting roots in front of the television, surfing the internet or playing console games.
Many perceive reading as a chore rather than pleasure. There is a need to bring back the creative culture of reading among Malaysians.
Since the birth of our nation in 1957, there have been numerous campaigns held to encourage the reading habit among Malaysians because our government knows that only an educated and knowledgeable nation can climb up the ladder of success. However, campaigns launched to encourage reading are unable to achieve much as progress cannot be seen in the short time limit. Reading is the habit that has to be ingrained and inculcated from young. An environment that encourages reading needs to be created by parents in the home. Research has shown that the early years in a child's life have the highest rates in forming and establishing the habit of reading. Habits formed at a young age will stay with...