As parents and teachers, we all want our children to grow up healthy, happy, and successful. One of the most important things we can do to help our children achieve these goals is to encourage them to read. Not only does reading help improve literacy and comprehension, but it also has a profound impact on the actual development of a child's brain.
Research conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that reading to children from a young age can have a significant impact on brain development. The study found that children who were read to regularly had increased brain activity in areas responsible for language, memory, and attention. When multiple regions of the brain are being tapped into simultaneously, your visual cortex and hippocampus are working together, which improves overall memory function. Another study published in The Journal of Brain Connectivity found that children who read (or are read to) regularly had stronger connections between different areas of the brain, particularly those involved in language and sensory processing. In addition, these processes even help to build new neural connections in the brain.Cool, right!?!
The benefits of reading go beyond just language and vocabulary. Reading has also been shown to improve cognitive skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. And perhaps most importantly, reading can help reduce stress and improve overall mental health for young readers. (As a parent with an anxious child, I have wholeheartedly found that some “down time” with a book puts her anxiety at ease.)
Remember, reading is not just about learning to decode words or improve vocabulary (although that is fundamental). It's also about building a strong and healthy brain. By promoting reading and brain development, we can help our children to reach their full potential and discover the love of reading.
Believe in the magic of reading.