Why reading matters

For example, if someone were running in a book, a person reading about the running individual would have similar but not as intense brain activity. Scientists wanted to examine what effects reading truly had on the brain using imaging techniques. Participants were asked to read about thirty pages each night of a fictional book called Pompeii by Robert Harris.

Researchers found those who read each night were essentially giving their brains a workout as they saw increased connections which compounded as time and more pages went by.

The brain is like a muscle, so when we force our brains to sympathise and see life from varying perspectives, we will increase our empathy as humans. Without the curiosity to want to experience what others live, we will be unable to expand our way of thinking. When Harry was learning to fly, certain regions of the brain were activated, corresponding to areas which are stimulated when we watch people move around for real. This kind of research could help unravel what happens in the brains of people struggling with language or with dyslexia.

Creating detailed brain maps while thinking about various things like we do when we read can help scientists determine where certain actions or behaviours originate in the brain. You have no excuse not to read, read, read! With a little legwork, you can find almost anything your heart desires. But, we know reading fiction is good for your brain, which needs a workout just like the rest of your body. We can become more empathetic to what other people live through and what emotions they feel.

Carter R. Children get the chance to expand their perspectives by talking about the thoughts and feelings of characters in books. Reading and talking about ideas in a book reinforces neural pathways that build brains. Reading with children early in their lives gets them ready for school. Reading helps children think critically and communicate more effectively.

It also stimulates their creativity and strengthens their ability to focus and concentrate. International research from OECD also highlights the advantage children have on their academic performance if they enjoy reading. They are likely to encounter several texts in any given day which they are expected to read independently.

For students who are struggling, the embarrassment of their situation can lead to disengagement and acting out to disguise their reading issues. Even in maths lessons children will be reading. At conversational level alone children will be exposed to just a small sample of words from our lexicon. To help children broaden their vocabulary we must read to them and they must choose to read themselves, for pleasure. The riches of the English language can be found within the pages of beautifully written literature, and the more of these treasures our children uncover the better.

Their research demonstrated that reading for pleasure links to increased empathy, social cohesion, knowledge of other cultures, cultural capital and the ability to regulate moods and relax. Beyond our own participation in society, reading helps us to connect to people from other walks of life. Encourage them to set aside time in their daily routine for reading that is purely for their own pleasure. Regularly immersing themselves in the written word allows children to gain a deeper understanding of both themselves and the world around them, not only helping with their cognitive development, but also inspiring self-reflection and positive change[v].

Mind, Brain, and Education. The benefits to continue reading aloud together through the upper primary years are huge. Reading aloud with your older child will:. A well-developed vocabulary is linked to better school performance. As a child listens and understands at a higher level than he's able to read independently right up to high school age , reading aloud provides children with the chance to listen and engage with texts beyond their own reading level — and this is wonderfully constructive for vocabulary development.

Books can invite conversation with kids around relevant social issues and challenges they might be facing. Choosing a book to read together that addresses a tricky topic — such as friendship issues, prejudice, bullying, or homelessness — offers an unmatched opportunity to talk together. You can better understand what your child thinks or has experienced around a given issue, as well as share your beliefs and personal stories on a sensitive subject.

Help them associate rest and relaxation with reading. Maintaining a habit of reading aloud together with your independent reader provides the continued chance for closeness with you. Plus, escaping into a great book can be a stress-reliever.