Silence. For you cannot disrupt the story unfolding in the imagination of others. Reading whether it’s fiction or based on a true story helps your brain grow and change for the better. Your mind expands as you read about new opportunities or learn something small like a new word.
“When you’re reading a book, it helps you just be in the moment and focus on that new book and story you are reading,” said Rocklin High’s Librarian Amy Cherwin. According to “Baylor College of Medicine,” reading has been proven to enhance knowledge and to solidify previously-read information. Children benefit from reading for it improves their imagination, creativity and strengthens their cunning abilities. Often with the younger generation, reading is usually implemented at a young age to increase social skills and the overall growth of the mind. “With assigned books, I feel like in a way (students) are forced to read that book…then there’s a little pushback that you get,” said Cherwin. The students at RHS aren’t always able to choose the book they read, in most scenarios they don’t have a choice. When presented with the option of reading an assigned book they often see it as busywork and not a way to possibly improve their lives. Assigned books usually revolve around history filled with words and language that the new generation doesn’t get or want to understand.
“Theres a little pushback that you get” – Amy Cherwin
The upperclassmen have more leniency with choosing their preferred topics in books causing higher chances of students actually participating in their own chosen stories. Whether the books’ a novel, comic, or short story all can help strengthen your knowledge and imagination. Senior Justine Lopez who is currently reading both “The Half of It” by Madison Beer and “The Seven Year Slip” by Ashley Poston says “I think non reading is an excuse because of today’s society and how everyone is glued to their phones.” The constant pull of social media often replaces the time that could be spent reading, which makes it easier for students to avoid assignments or books in general all together. It’s been proven that reading physically alters the brain, strengthening its structure and connections within it. “Reading helps me cleanse my mind and not think about my other problems,” said Lopez. While many students view reading as a chore, experiences like Lopez’s show how choosing what to read can turn into a healthy way to manage stress.
Assigned reading can discourage students, even if they enjoy reading itself. “I really enjoyed (the assigned book) Night, but the other ones, I just did for the grade,” said junior Kylee Caswell. The enjoyment and benefits of reading changes when students don’t choose for themselves. However Caswell stated that the issue is not always a lack of interest in reading but rather a lack of time. “Honestly, I’d say it’s because they (students) normally don’t have enough time. They’re too busy studying and trying to focus on other stuff,” said Caswell. While reading habits may decline as students get older, research and student experiences suggest that allowing freedom of choice and reducing pressure could help students reconnect with the benefits that books provide.
