Reading is the process of taking in the sense or meaning of letters,
symbols, etc., especially by sight or touch. For educators and
researchers, reading is a multifaceted process involving such areas as
word recognition, orthography (spelling), alphabetics, phonics, phonemic
awareness, vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and motivation. Reading for
pleasure has been linked to:
~Increased cognitive progress in vocabulary and mathematics during
adolescence.
~Sustained high volume lifetime reading has been associated with high
levels of academic attainment.
~Research suggests that reading can improve stress management, memory,
focus, writing skills, and imagination.
~Research suggests that reading books and writing are among the
brain-stimulating activities that can slow down cognitive decline in
seniors.
