“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.”
–  Dr. Seuss

Reading gives us a chance to learn about the world around us, encourages empathy, and provides a shared experience to bond us together.

School children across the country kicked off National Reading Month last week by celebrating Dr. Suess’s birthday on March 2nd.  School will celebrate with contests, activities, and author visits, encouraging students to learn and grow through reading.

 So join DocNetwork and read with us this month!  

Need a reason to pickup a book?
Here is what doctors are saying about why reading is so essential:

  • Reading strengthens brain development.
    The American Academy of Pediatrics represents over 62,000 physicians across the country, and they recommend reading to children beginning at birth (or before!).  The Academy emphasizes that reading to children enhances vocabulary and other important communication skills and is an important support for brain development that occurs within the first three years of a child’s life. Source: New York Times

  • Reading reduces stress.
    Reading can be a source of comfort.  It offers a quiet and peaceful activity that can be done almost anywhere.  But the benefits can be even stronger, psychology has found.  Books are a drug-free supplement for lessening some symptoms of mild to moderate depression.  National Health Service doctors have been prescribing books in a successful use of what Brits call “bibliotherapy.”  Self help books are not a stand in for therapy or medical treatments, but reading is an extension of the treatments available. Source: Boston Globe

  • Reading strengthens our analytical skills.
    At first, children learn to read, but once the skill is learned, we read to learn.  Regardless of age, making reading a habit improves our focus and concentration, improves cognitive function, increases vocabulary, improves memory, language development, and makes you smarter.  Reading for 30 minutes each and every day, has been long recommended by educators, and scientists can now point to data that shows increase in not only quality of life, but longevity. Source: Reader’s Digest

Need some ideas?

  • The Reading Challenge is great for groups. Encourage your community to add their name and completed book titles to see how fast you can fill the page.
  • Common Sense Media provides trusted reading recommendations in all genres for age appropriate books.
  • Scholastic provides recommendations for reading aloud.

So tell us, what are YOU reading this month?  Comment below to join the conversation!