Why Should Children Read Every Day, Even in the Age of Screens?

posted on Oct 30, 2026

Think back to the last time you saw a child completely lost in a book. The world around them goes quiet; they forget to answer when called, and every turn of the page feels like a small adventure. Sadly, that picture is becoming rarer. Today, most children reach for a phone or a tablet long before they reach for a book.

As parents, many of you have probably asked yourselves whether reading still matters when information is available at the tap of a screen. Well, we at Gurukul The School, counted among the top schools in Ghaziabad, believe that it matters more than ever. Reading does not just help children learn. It shapes how they think, feel and express themselves.

In this blog post, we have shared why daily reading is so important for children, and how a simple reading habit can make a big difference to their growth. So, let’s begin.

Why Has Reading Taken a Back Seat?

Children today are surrounded by short videos, games and endless scrolling. These offer quick entertainment, but they also train young minds to expect something new every few seconds. As a result, many children find it hard to sit with a single page for long, let alone a whole chapter.

The good news is that reading is a habit, and like every habit, it can be built. All it takes is time, the right books and a little encouragement.

Benefits of Reading Every Day:

• Better Focus and Concentration

A book asks a child to stay with one story, one idea or one character for a long stretch of time. Unlike a screen, it does not change every few seconds to hold their attention. Hence, every page a child reads quietly trains their mind to concentrate.

Over time, this focus carries into the classroom. Children who read regularly often find it easier to listen in class, follow instructions and complete their work without getting distracted.

• A Richer Vocabulary

Books introduce children to words they may never hear in everyday conversation. When they meet these words again and again in stories, they begin to understand them and, eventually, use them on their own.

A strong vocabulary helps children in every subject. It helps them understand questions better, write more clearly, and express their ideas with confidence, whether in an essay or a class discussion.

• Empathy and Understanding

When a child reads about a girl growing up in a small village or a boy facing a difficult choice, they step into someone else’s shoes for a while. They begin to understand feelings and situations they have never experienced themselves.

This ability to see the world through another person’s eyes is the very foundation of empathy. And in a world that needs more kindness, that is a lesson no textbook can fully teach.

• Imagination and Curiosity

A video shows a child exactly what a dragon looks like. A book lets them imagine it. This small difference makes a big impact, as reading pushes children to build pictures, places and people in their own minds.

Curious readers also tend to ask more questions. One book about space can easily lead to another about planets, then rockets, then astronauts. That is how a lifelong love of learning begins.

How Can Parents Build a Reading Habit at Home?

You do not need a large library at home to raise a reader. A few simple steps can go a long way:

• Set aside a fixed time for reading every day, even if it is just 15 to 20 minutes before bed.
• Let your children choose their own books, whether comics, adventure stories or books on dinosaurs.
• Read together, especially with younger children, and talk about what happened in the story.
• Keep books within easy reach, and keep screens away during reading time.
• Most importantly, let them see you read. Children copy what they see far more than what they are told.

How We Encourage Reading at Gurukul The School

At Gurukul The School, reading is not limited to the library period. Through our “Drop Everything And Read (DEAR)” programme, the entire campus pauses for 20 minutes every day to read. Students, teachers, school leaders and even visitors put everything else aside and pick up a book.

We have seen how this simple daily practice builds focus, curiosity and empathy in our students. Apart from this, our Readers’ Club and Bloggers’ Club give children who love books and writing a space to share their thoughts with others. You can read more about these initiatives on our Specially@Gurukul page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much time should children spend reading every day?
2. Even 15 to 20 minutes of daily reading can make a real difference. Consistency matters far more than the number of pages read.
3. Does reading on a tablet or e-reader count?
4. Yes, it does. However, printed books help children stay away from notifications and other distractions, which makes it easier for them to focus.
5. What if my child does not enjoy reading at all?
6. Start with books on topics they already love, such as sports, animals or superheroes. Once reading becomes enjoyable, the habit usually follows.

Conclusion

Reading may look like a quiet, simple activity, but it shapes children in ways that last a lifetime. It sharpens their focus, enriches their language, and helps them understand the world and the people in it.

At Gurukul The School, one of the top schools in Ghaziabad, we firmly believe that a child who reads every day is a child who thinks every day. This is why we have made reading a part of our students’ daily routine, so that the love for books grows naturally and stays with them long after they leave school.