In what way can reading specialists help promote lifelong reading habits?

Highlighting the personal benefits of reading is a key method by which reading specialists can promote lifelong reading habits. When individuals understand how reading can positively impact their lives—such as improving knowledge, enhancing empathy, fostering creativity, and contributing to career success—they are more likely to develop a genuine appreciation for it. This intrinsic motivation encourages them to engage with reading beyond the classroom, establishing it as a lifelong habit. Reading specialists often aim to instill a sense of personal connection and relevance to reading material, thereby nurturing an enduring relationship with reading that extends far past formal education.

In contrast, focusing on competition among students may create a less collaborative and more stressful environment that doesn't foster a love for reading. A restrictive reading list can limit students' choices, stifling their exploration of diverse genres and personal interests. Lastly, limiting reading to classroom hours fails to encourage students to pursue reading as a leisure activity, which is essential for developing lifelong habits.