Reasons for Reading

My offering for today is a list of websites with reasons as to why we should be reading everyday - and why it is SO important.  For most of us, the benefits are self -evident, but it is always an issue to convince student's as to the value of reading. 

By this I mean REAL reading, rather than what they do on a computer.  There are various different types of reading and all are valid - but to be able to read well and with understanding, from a computer screen, you do need to have reading skills to start to start with.  

Apparently,  the Silicon Valley people who design computers, quite often won't have their kids in a school that uses the things!  Whether this is actually true or not is debatable - but I can appreciate the reasons why.  

Their reasoning is that learning to use computers is about as complicated as learning to use toothpaste - so they want their kids to have the opportunity to gain a variety of skills and to be able to think outside the square. People that have this ability are very much in demand in almost any workplace.

These are not skills that can be gained from computers or TV - but are absorbed through books - the old fashioned print and pages style - which leads on to a better development and strengthening of their neural pathways.

Anyway, enough of my soapbox.  Take a few minutes and have a look - then be sure to make time for 'strengthening your neural pathways" this weekend.   Or just grab a good coffee and a good book and take some time for yourself. Either way it works.  

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-benefits-reading-why-you-should-read-everyday.html

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-athletes-way/201401/reading-fiction-improves-brain-connectivity-and-function

https://selfhelpfix.com/benefits-of-reading.php

https://www.edutopia.org/blog/5-reading-reasons-reluctant-readers-rebecca-alber
http://www.inspirationboost.com/8-reasons-why-reading-is-so-important

Vale Terry Pratchett

Sad news today with the passing of one of the best fantasy writers I know.  Sir Terry Pratchett has died following an eight year battle with a rare form of Alzheimers.

http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-31858156

He has long been one of my favourite authors, especially for his Discworld books with his subtle (or maybe not so subtle) satirical comments on humanity. Possibly his greatest character created was DEATH, who always spoke in capital letters.

Below are a few quotes of Sir Terry's that are favourites of mine;

*   Wisdom comes from experience.  Experience is usually the result of a lack of wisdom.

*   Real stupidity beats artifical intelligence every time.    (Hogfather) 

*   Humanity is a nice place to visit, but you wouldn't want to live there.  (Witches Abroad)