Literature for Lifelong Learning

1. Fostering a Lifelong Love for Reading and Learning

Our kids love books and so they love learning. By the time they ‘graduate’ from home education, they have read hundreds of carefully selected books, not just a few prescribed set-work books, like their peers at school. They ‘devour’ good stories. Some of us even have to hide books so we can read them aloud together with our bookworm kids. They have learned how to learn and can continue self-educating for the rest of their lives.

Our article, What is a Living Book? explains the the difference between “living books” and “twaddle” and how living books make learning unforgettable.

2. Developing Character, Life Lessons and Problem-Solving Skills

Well-chosen stories teach valuable life lessons and problem-solving skills. Stories are always about people and how they overcome their problems – conflict in relationships, fear or other character weaknesses or how they overcome physical challenges such as illness, disabilities, accidents or natural disasters such as floods, droughts, long journeys or other life challenges. Readers can learn from the experiences of others and gain insight into circumstances that haven’t yet played out in their own lives.

3. Building General Knowledge and Cultural Literacy

Readers develop great general knowledge and cultural awareness. Having read so many books about people, countries and times and places, our children usually have a good general knowledge of the world. They are culturally literate and aware of other ways in the world than just their own culture.

Our article, From “Invisible” to a Validated Cultural Heritage, explores the importance of appreciating your own culture and heritage as well as that of others.

4. Preparing for High School and University Workloads

Readers can handle a tough academic workload. No matter which matric path they choose, our readers usually cope well with their high school studies. Many university courses require students to do a lot of reading and independent research. For our children, reading is normal, its not a new challenge to face. They are used to being challenged by books that are sometimes a little heavy-going and stretch their abilities and their characters. Through reading aloud together they also develop good listening skills, which helps when attending lectures at university level.

5. Teaching Critical Thinking and Multiple Historical Perspectives

Readers know that there is more than one perspective. Everyone views reality through a unique lens. Our children have learned that each story gives a different perspective on events and eras in history and the present. They have learned that reading widely reveals multiple perspectives and they are able to evaluate what they read and recognise bias and prejudice. They learn that uncovering the real facts requires looking at every viewpoint, filtering out bias and hidden assumptions and piecing together a more comprehensive picture of the story. They have had practice at thinking critically about controversial issues such as wars, civil rights movements, colonialism etc. and they know that life is more complex than some make it seem. They have learned from experience that there is often right and wrong on both sides of any controversial issue. There is not just one narrative.

6. Strengthening Vocabulary, Writing and Communication Skills

Readers usually express themselves well. Reading books exposes our children to some of the best writers in the world. It exposes them to their ideas, and the good language and vocabulary that is used in formal writing. They build up a data-base of complex language skills in their brain and are able to model their own writing and speaking on the language styles and forms to which they have been exposed.

Give your Children a 1.4 Million Word Advantage highlights research confirming how the lifelong academic benefits of reading improve their prospects in life.

There are over 20 More Benefits of Literature-based Learning

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