GREAT BAY--The Teen Times crew spent its weekly meeting on Saturday, September 5, doing something increasingly important in a world filled with screens, short videos and constant distractions: reading to each other.
In recognition of Literacy Month and International Literacy Day, observed on September 8, the teenagers selected passages from some of their favorite books, read them aloud to the group and discussed why the stories, characters and ideas stood out to them.
The activity was also intended to send a message to other young people that reading does not have to be viewed only as schoolwork or something done for an assignment. Teen Times members are encouraging their peers to make reading a regular part of their lives, whether through novels, biographies, history, poetry, current affairs or any other material that captures their interest.
For the group, reading remains important because it strengthens vocabulary and communication skills, improves comprehension, develops concentration and exposes young people to experiences and perspectives beyond their own. Regular reading can also help teenagers become more confident when expressing themselves, whether in the classroom, during conversations or when sharing their opinions publicly.
Teen Times members also believe reading helps young people become better thinkers. Being able to understand information, question what they are presented with and form their own conclusions is increasingly important at a time when teenagers receive large amounts of information every day through social media and other digital platforms.
Their message to their peers is simple: reading opens your mind, strengthens your voice, builds confidence and helps you understand the world beyond your own experience.
The group stressed that young people do not have to enjoy every book they encounter. What matters is continuing to explore until they find subjects, writers or stories that connect with them. They encouraged teenagers not to disadvantage themselves by avoiding reading, particularly because strong reading and comprehension skills can influence performance in almost every school subject and later in the workplace.
The September 5 activity also gave members an opportunity to recommend books to each other and hear passages they might otherwise never have encountered.
Teen Times said activities such as these are also a reminder that teens still read. Sometimes they simply need the space, encouragement and opportunity to do it together.
