It is hard to teach young children, especially teens, how fundamental reading is. But it’s true, depending on the material that is read
I have not always liked to read, and I have learned that some books will put you to sleep, so I had to make myself read them. I didn’t really get into the books; some were too long, and some just seemed boring, but reading them was what I had to do in order to learn to help myself, handle certain situations, and make it in life.
There are so many types of authors, with so many types of writing styles and ideas. There are books of every subject that can be imagined. I have talked to my children; the older ones, about reading and some of them tell me that I made them read too much while growing up, so books are the last things on their minds… I once was that way so I try to understand them.
Reading is not just educational. Many can find comfort in reading relaxation, as well as acquired knowledge. A person may read for various reasons, yet some are fixated on reading but never acquire any type of knowledge. I know many people who have joined different book clubs and are still joining book clubs.
Maybe readers in St. Pauls should consider creating a book club or two. It would be a great pastime as well as meeting your fellow neighbors in the process. Whatever you delight in, there is someone out there with the same interest.
I enjoy reading poetry and I also write poetry. I was listening to a few teens do poetry, many are stuck on the rap aspect, yet some had some very good poems.
It would be great to have a poetry night at the Night Out, and I am sure that the young and old would enjoy this. I know a few people here that read poetry and in their comfort zones write from time to time. Why not share it, express yourselves… yes in public. Night Out organizers are always trying to get kids involved in a “Poetry Slam,” but the kids don’t seem to buy into it. For a while, I gave up on reading and focused more on my writing skills. I worked on several poems, songs and laid out ideas for books to write, and then I was once again at a standstill. I found out quickly that in order to write, I had to know certain things, also what was going on around me. I had to research varies subjects… So it became apparent quickly that it was mandatory that I go back into the reading zone. Although my writing skills still need a little work (whose doesn’t?) I can actually say that I enjoy reading, and that I love to explore through books. There are also so many good inspirational books waiting to be read and we all, at times, need inspiration, so I would say read some, and pass them on. Whatever you like to do for a pastime, or for hobbies, I encourage you to please consider picking up a book; you never know where it might take you. It is Summer time, so parents’ reading is something to do with the children. And please don’t just give a child a book to play with or as something for him or her to do in order to stay out of your way; read to your child, read with your child. You will be surprised at the outcome. Pleasantly surprised.