The development of internet and technology has made reading and writing, which are essential tools for lifelong learning, almost obsolete. As a result, many kids find it difficult to write. Students’ foundations in reading and writing are weaker today than what we observed ten years ago.

Nowadays, kids spend more time on electronics and the internet, searching for sources that can help them do their assignments quickly or pass exams easily. This evolution has made the idea of reading a book, or any other piece of written material, in a quiet, peaceful corner of the library or at home, an archaic idea for most school children.

For the most part, informal online articles have replaced quality books, paving the way for a lot of information that is not credible, destroying students' critical reading and writing skills. Because of the presence of informal articles online, students are likely to perform several academic slights, such as using informal language in formal papers.

In the past, the reading of books taught both children and adults to think critically about texts and to write in an original manner. These days, students copy pieces of articles, websites and blogs and paste it as their own work. Or, they simply paraphrase what they see online without putting any further thought into it. These habits have killed creativity and original thinking, as well as the art of reading.

I see a trend of children rushing home after school, picking up their tablets, and clicking, because, for them, it appears all the answers they seek are there for them to find. Online articles and electronic devices are dumbing down students. They tend to take short cuts, missing out on the true meaning and benefits of quality reading.

Schools are also a contributing factor to the poor reading and writing skills of students. School's English courses do not have a standardized curriculum. Curriculums are more of a guideline for teachers to use to decide what to teach. This system prevents students' writing skills, from one school to another, from improving at the same pace because teachers primarily teach students based on their own personal preference. One teacher might want students to read Tom Sawyer while another teacher prefers The Joy Luck Club. Both are good readings, but they were written one century apart, with different settings, style, tone, etc. Thus, the students' literary skills learning is likely to differ significantly.

It is imperative that students develop positive habits towards reading so it is a life-long experience, not just a skill used for the sake of getting an A in their English class or scoring high on their SAT exam. Students should devote time to reading books (not iPads) and writing creatively and extensively (not texting). They should turn off their tablets and read quality books for at least 30 minutes a day. Magazines such as Times, National Geographic, and Reader's Digest are also great reads. These publishers are reputable for a reason.

Reading is one of the most important building blocks of an academic foundation. Schools should try their best to encourage students to read books, newspapers, and magazines. They should also encourage them to take part in writing exercises, based on their preference. If schools don’t do this, perhaps parents can serve as an example to their children by putting away their cell phones and picking up a book to read every day. After all, parents are students’ most influential, if not best, teachers.

Why So Many Kids Can't Write Nowadays

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