Why taking the time to to read a book still matters for our children in a world of shortcuts
The reality is that not many high school students are reading books anymore.
Why should they spend hours or even days reading a book when they have access to countless shortcuts?
Here’s why:
When your child reads
- They slow down and process ideas at their own pace .
- They pause to reflect on meaning, language, and word usage .
- They make an effort to understand the author’s world and perspective.
- They wander through their thoughts and imagination—this is important for creativity.
- They connect what they read to their own life and even laugh at moments in the text .
- They are in control of how they read—what to reread, skip, or question.
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They use their own voice tone and emotions to interpret the book.
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Most importantly, this is where “aha” moments happen—those powerful sparks of understanding that cannot be rushed or replaced by shortcuts.
That’s why in a fast-moving world, the ability to take time and ready deeply is a skill that will set them apart.
