The Importance of Reading and Writing

Language is more than words on paper. It’s the foundation that allows us to communicate, learn, and connect with the world around us. Yet, we rarely stop to think about how powerful reading and writing really are. Until we face a moment when they’re not a given.

In a world where we swipe more than we write, and fleeting messages fill our days, we sometimes forget the true value of reading and writing. In this blog, we’ll explore why these skills remain essential for everyone.

Main Points

• Reading and writing are essential every single day.
• Not everyone learns these skills naturally.
• Without them, many opportunities remain out of reach.
• With a Correctbook, you can practice endlessly and erase mistakes without fear.

Reading:
The key to the world around you

We read all day long. From shopping lists on the fridge to texts from friends, work emails, and articles in a webshop. Reading is essential to navigate a world full of words. Without this skill, we miss information, fail to understand instructions, and get stuck in daily life. Even this blog would be out of reach for you without the ability to read.

But reading is more than just passing on information. A great story can take you to other worlds, spark your imagination, and let you escape reality for a moment. From Hogwarts to Wonderland. It broadens your mind, strengthens your language skills, and gives you moments of joy you won’t soon forget.

Writing:
the power to shape your thoughts

We all write, every day. Sure, we type on keyboards more often now, but handwriting still shows up more than you think. A Post-it for a colleague, a filled-out form, a quick to-do list on a scrap of paper: all small but essential moments where pen and paper help us make sense of life.

Communication, planning, keeping track of things for yourself or others: it becomes a real challenge without writing. But writing is more than jotting down words. It helps you organize your thoughts, develop ideas, and process emotions.

Sometimes writing is purely practical, like a grocery list or a formal letter. Other times, it’s creative and freeing: a diary filled with personal stories, a poem straight from the heart, or a brainstorm brimming with new plans. Writing gives you space in your mind. And leaves something tangible behind, for yourself or for others.

Without the ability to write, you constantly run into closed doors...

Language:
understanding and being understood

Language is the key to connection. It’s how we understand each other, share information, and take part in society. For many, this feels natural, but it isn’t. Learning a language never comes overnight. Anyone who’s tried Duolingo or another language course knows it takes time and practice to recognize letters and sounds, understand words, and use them yourself. Reading and writing form the foundation. Without these skills, the door to a new language stays firmly shut.

For millions of people, reading and writing are far from guaranteed skills. In the Netherlands alone, about 2.5 million adults struggle with reading, writing, and basic math. This is called low literacy. The result? The world around them is full of barriers. A letter from the municipality, a recipe, placing an online order, or even understanding a simple text message—everyday tasks become complicated and frustrating.

Low literacy limits opportunities—for work, for personal growth, and even for social connections. It can lead to insecurity and a feeling of exclusion in a world that runs on words.

You can’t solve low literacy overnight. If only it were that simple. But every step counts. It starts with access to proper writing materials, space to practice, and safe places where making mistakes is okay. That’s exactly what we want to offer with Correctbook: reusable notebooks that let anyone practice freely, without wasting paper or fearing errors.

The earlier someone can start, the greater the impact: a child who learns to read and write gains skills that last a lifetime. At home, in school, and later at work. With a Correctbook, you can write, erase, and start again as many times as needed. Until reading and writing are no longer barriers but open doors to a future full of opportunities.

At Correctbook, we believe no one should be left behind. Our journey began in 2014 when founder Sam saw firsthand in Africa how life-changing access to writing materials can be. This inspired the idea of the reusable notebook: sustainable for those who can write, and a chance for those who are just learning.

With every Correctbook you purchase, you’re not only supporting your own writing skills—you’re helping others too. 5% of our revenue goes directly to education projects in Africa.