Fewer Americans are Reading LiteratureDoes it Matter

Fewer Americans are Reading Literatureâ€"Does it Matter Fewer Americans are Reading Literatureâ€"Does it Matter? According to the National Endowment for the Arts,  there is a steady decline of literary reading. In fact, only 43 percent of American adults read at least one work of literatureâ€"novels, short stories, poemsâ€"each year. Between video games, tablets, streaming services and the endless trap of the Internet, it is true that there are many more distractions today than  30 years ago. So,  this leads us to our pressing question. Does it  even  matter if people are reading fewer works of literature?  In short, yes!  There’s proof that reading actual books on paper is more beneficial than  skimming  social media posts  or news updates  on digital screens. Reading literary fiction appears to  boost the quality of empathy  in the people who read it because it allows them to see the world from another person’s perspective, whether it’s the author or the character  imagined  in the  novel. And empathy isn’t the only benefit obtained from reading literature.  Check out  seven research  driven  reasons to  read  more  literature. As we wrap-up National Reading Awareness Month, there’s no better time to believe in the value of reading for your children’s  development.  Reading just twenty minutes a day can help your children  achieve new heights. Enjoyed reading this article?  Discover even more learning tips! You might also be interested in: 8 Must-Read Collections of Poetry on Kumon’s Recommended Reading List Spark a Love for Literature with These  Read-Aloud  Tips 6 Oral Reading Tips for Parents Happy Read Across America Day! Kick-off National Reading Month by Celebrating Dr. Seuss’ Birthday With These Fun Activities Fewer Americans are Reading Literatureâ€"Does it Matter Fewer Americans are Reading Literatureâ€"Does it Matter? According to the National Endowment for the Arts,  there is a steady decline of literary reading. In fact, only 43 percent of American adults read at least one work of literatureâ€"novels, short stories, poemsâ€"each year. Between video games, tablets, streaming services and the endless trap of the Internet, it is true that there are many more distractions today than  30 years ago. So,  this leads us to our pressing question. Does it  even  matter if people are reading fewer works of literature?  In short, yes!  There’s proof that reading actual books on paper is more beneficial than  skimming  social media posts  or news updates  on digital screens. Reading literary fiction appears to  boost the quality of empathy  in the people who read it because it allows them to see the world from another person’s perspective, whether it’s the author or the character  imagined  in the  novel. And empathy isn’t the only benefit obtained from reading literature.  Check out  seven research  driven  reasons to  read  more  literature. As we wrap-up National Reading Awareness Month, there’s no better time to believe in the value of reading for your children’s  development.  Reading just twenty minutes a day can help your children  achieve new heights. Enjoyed reading this article?  Discover even more learning tips! You might also be interested in: 8 Must-Read Collections of Poetry on Kumon’s Recommended Reading List Spark a Love for Literature with These  Read-Aloud  Tips 6 Oral Reading Tips for Parents Happy Read Across America Day! Kick-off National Reading Month by Celebrating Dr. Seuss’ Birthday With These Fun Activities