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March 29, 2016

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Giving the gift of Reading

EVERY year, it seems the number of smartphones and digital devices grows while the users get younger.

Tech tools can be great for encouraging curiosity and creativity; however, most kids use their devices for superficial entertainment: watching videos, playing games, chatting with friends. These past-times can be detrimental because they are helping kids develop short attention spans rather than the ability for introspection and focus.

This was foreseen back in 1977 by the Nobel-winning economist Herbert Simon. Writing about the future information-rich world, he warned that information consumes “the attention of its recipients. Hence a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention.”

While multitasking and time management are useful skills to navigate this hyper-connected age, they don’t help kids develop their ability to focus for extended periods of time, and this ability is the greatest predictor of future success. Reading is one of the best ways to help kids develop a strong ability to focus: an engrossing book entertains the reader, but it also actively engages their mind to reflect on what they are reading. Thus, by nurturing the love of reading in kids, you are not only giving them a wonderful life-long hobby, you are helping them train their focus which renowned Harvard psychologist and best-selling author Daniel Goleman calls “the driver of excellence.”

If you are starting a book club or incorporating reading time for you children, make sure all phones and laptops are out of the room. If you are using an e-reader, then make sure the Internet browsing capabilities are switched off. Give your children — and yourself — the gift of an hour of distraction-free reading.




 

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