Answer the question – books
Do you think that parents should encourage their children to read books & why?
| The recent Harry Potter frenzy has proved that books are still fun and still appealing to young people. |
Parents should encourage their child to read as it can helps them to learn new skills which they may need in lessons at school. Reading also gives the child a chance to learn at their own pace without having to meet a deadline. And if you find the right book you may find yourself reading it over and over again.
I was encouraged to read from an early age, and find that I use the vocabulary I picked up by reading in my essay writing. Reading has also helped me in my studies.
The Harry Potter frenzy shows just how many children are interested in literature. I think that reading can be a form of escapism for a child, and it can also broaden your horizons.
Annabel McLeod, 15
Obviously, parents should be role models for their children which involves recommending good books required for education as well as recreation. It is very important to encourage reading from a young age as this helps to accelerate understanding and the general learning process.
Fictitious books help young children develop their imagination and helps them to be creative. Educational books, on the other hand, will develop their curiosity and help them to learn in school. When you are older, parents who are not that literary themselves will not encourage their teenagers to delve into more 'adult' books, so the only guidance they have will be from English lessons in schools.
Abeyna Jones, 18
Kids Internet, Radio and Television are all very modern forms of educating people. They are often used to target children and parents willingly spend a fortune on Internet bills and educational videos. Books are another outlet. Reading is a fun and interesting way for children to learn.
Parents should encourage children to read because it helps develop the child's imagination and also assists them in educational areas. Reading provides the child with necessary tools that cannot be obtained by switching on the computer. Some parents think reading is outdated but the recent Harry Potter frenzy has proved that books are still fun and still appealing to young people.
Akosua Bonsu, 15
I think that parents should encourage their children to read because books are a great way to learn a lot of things. Books will help improve their understanding of maths, English, stories, grammar and vocabulary. Reading helps you at school and in life.
I don't go to school, as I'm educated at home, and books have helped me a lot. Reading encourages my imagination and takes me to another world some stories are funny, scary and others are sad but I still like them.
Jayne Kendzerski, 11
About the team
The Answer the question panel are members of Children's Express London bureau. This column was published as part of Teen Talk, the Children's Express page in New Nation.
