Why Should Students Read Literature?

Literature connects us with past and present humanity.
Literary reading promotes the language development and thinking that is
necessary for an educated, cultural society. It is our job as educators to put
all students in touch with excellent literature, especially those books which
have the power to change us in some way. A famous writer once said, “Books that
transform me as I read, books that go on working in me afterwards when they
have become part of me, often refresh and reinvigorate the language.” There are
many valid reasons for using literature as the mainstay of a reading and
writing program. All these serve to motivate and promote life-long interest in
reading. Here are some:

1. Literature allows meaning to dominate. Students
read immediately for meaning and view reading as a thinking process. A story
that makes sense is easy to talk about and remember. Reading literature helps students
to form their own way of understanding and thinking.

2. Literature concentrates on the development of
readers rather the development of skills. Students spend most of their time reading
continuous text, which allows them to see themselves as reader’s right from the
start. Research has shown that reading literature has a great influence in the
making of students’ character, view of the world, a way of living and choice of
lifestyle.

3. Literature promotes positive self-concepts in
students. Because students see themselves as readers of books from the first
day of school, they develop positive attitudes about reading and themselves.
Regardless of background, apparent deficiencies, and varying development
levels, children begin to learn to read with the best of children’s books. That
early success and confidence flows into other academic and social areas. By
contrast, students who fail to learn to read in first grade can carry lifelong
scars.

4. Literature promotes language development. Exposure
to the variety of complex syntactical patterns, creative and figurative
language, and imagery found in good literature seems to aid comprehension of
language in general and to enhance vocabulary development. Since literary
language is not generally found in primary readers, popular television
programs, or general conversation, it is important that students be saturated
with good books in the school environment. In fact, vocabulary and multiple
meanings of words are best learned and applied through the context of books.

5. Literature promotes fluent reading. It has been
interesting to observe beginning readers reading with fluency from the start.
Since the children hear a predictable story as a whole first, and possibly more
than once, they come to know phrasing, and they imitate it. Where predicting
and sampling are encouraged, they are accustomed to filling in the words that
make sense. They do not read word for word even when presented with new material.
The transference of reading ability to other books is a highly important factor
which gives the child confidence and the ability to read independently.

Literature deals with human emotions. Students relate
easily to stories that deal with anger, sadness, jealousy, etc., and they have
an opportunity to get in touch with their own emotions in an natural,
nonthreatening manner. Students meet characters who have traits like
themselves, which makes them feel like an accepted part of the human race. Folk
tales and fairy tales teach much about individual longings, conflicts, and
failings and can stimulate thoughtful discussion.