2008 Woodie Awards
Studies show decline in reading for entertainment
By: Megan Bradberry
Issue date: 2/28/07 Section: Entertainment & Features
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Megan Bradberry
Staff Writer
Children love to read. They pick up a little book, climb into Mommy's lap and beg her to read a bedtime story. As children grow older, they are encouraged by their teachers to read in their free time and are rewarded with prizes. Bookshelves are stuffed with Little Golden Books and favorites by Dr. Seuss.
Sadly, the passion for reading decreases as children grow older. Forty-four percent of American adults do not read even one book in a year, according to efmoody.com Reading is not the most popular activity for college students. Instead of picking up a book, a majority flip on the television or log onto Facebook or MySpace where hours are spent filling out surveys and reading everyone else's comments.
"I think television and laziness hinder students from wanting to read for fun," said Justin Shepherd, junior business administration.
For some students, time is a major constraint. Between classes, homework and part time jobs, squeezing an extra hour in for reading becomes a challenge.
"I used to read non-stop when I was younger," said Adam Hughes, senior business administration, "but I haven't had much interest in reading for pleasure recently."
"Since my days usually consist of class, work or church, I spend my free time watching The Office or browsing the web instead of sitting down to read."
Reading has many benefits. Not only does getting lost in a good book enrich vocabulary skills, build fluency and improve thinking skills, but reading it the best way to invoke the imagination.
"I enjoy reading because I'm bound to learn something, enjoy it and I get a lot more out of it than watching television," said Shepherd. "All around, it's healthier for the mind."
"When I read, it's fun yet relaxing," said Jessica Thornton, freshman biology. "Reading takes my mind off the everyday stresses of school. Plus, you don't have to spend money to be entertained."
Some students would rather pop in a DVD and watch a movie rather than read a book.
Strangely, reading a book is much more invigorating for the mind than watching a movie. Let's not forget, some of the most highly acclaimed movies, such as the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, and even the Star Wars movies all began as books.
Want to get lost in a good book, but don't know where to begin the search? Simple. Check out the New York Time's Best Sellers' list, or even ask a friend for a reference.
The next time you're sitting in your dorm bored and wanting to get away for a while, go get lost in a book.
Staff Writer
Children love to read. They pick up a little book, climb into Mommy's lap and beg her to read a bedtime story. As children grow older, they are encouraged by their teachers to read in their free time and are rewarded with prizes. Bookshelves are stuffed with Little Golden Books and favorites by Dr. Seuss.
Sadly, the passion for reading decreases as children grow older. Forty-four percent of American adults do not read even one book in a year, according to efmoody.com Reading is not the most popular activity for college students. Instead of picking up a book, a majority flip on the television or log onto Facebook or MySpace where hours are spent filling out surveys and reading everyone else's comments.
"I think television and laziness hinder students from wanting to read for fun," said Justin Shepherd, junior business administration.
For some students, time is a major constraint. Between classes, homework and part time jobs, squeezing an extra hour in for reading becomes a challenge.
"I used to read non-stop when I was younger," said Adam Hughes, senior business administration, "but I haven't had much interest in reading for pleasure recently."
"Since my days usually consist of class, work or church, I spend my free time watching The Office or browsing the web instead of sitting down to read."
Reading has many benefits. Not only does getting lost in a good book enrich vocabulary skills, build fluency and improve thinking skills, but reading it the best way to invoke the imagination.
"I enjoy reading because I'm bound to learn something, enjoy it and I get a lot more out of it than watching television," said Shepherd. "All around, it's healthier for the mind."
"When I read, it's fun yet relaxing," said Jessica Thornton, freshman biology. "Reading takes my mind off the everyday stresses of school. Plus, you don't have to spend money to be entertained."
Some students would rather pop in a DVD and watch a movie rather than read a book.
Strangely, reading a book is much more invigorating for the mind than watching a movie. Let's not forget, some of the most highly acclaimed movies, such as the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, and even the Star Wars movies all began as books.
Want to get lost in a good book, but don't know where to begin the search? Simple. Check out the New York Time's Best Sellers' list, or even ask a friend for a reference.
The next time you're sitting in your dorm bored and wanting to get away for a while, go get lost in a book.
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