So it’s all go for the start of another year!
What better way to kick off the new year than with our favourite piece of advice: read! First and foremost, it’s a fun and relaxing pastime! Sitting down to read after a busy day is a great way to unwind and focus on something else for a while. It’s also great to do before bed because it means time away from the light of electronic devices. However, there is a wealth of research into the benefits of reading, particularly for children.
In a study conducted by the National Literacy Trust in 2015, they concluded that children who read often, and enjoy doing so, are far more likely to perform well academically. The exposure to new vocabulary, various writing styles, different characters, etc. means that they are better equipped for challenges in school.
Scientific discoveries have also been made which confirm that people who read more fiction display signs of having increased empathy and emotional intelligence. These are two vital factors that should play big roles in a child’s social development and this social development is integral to their happiness in the school environment, and even throughout their careers.
Not only this, but reading is also simply an excellent opportunity for parents to enjoy quality time with their children in a relaxed and leisurely setting. Reading aloud with children is remarkably beneficial; children get to read a book, broaden their horizons and, in sharing this with their parents, simultaneously enjoy some bonding time. It also means that you parents get the benefits of reading too!
Of course, it’s all about reading a variation of books. We particularly recommend fiction. It’s a great release to take a break from reality and the everyday and sit down with a good book. Throwing yourself into the world of a book can be exactly what you need to reduce stress. Minimising this stress now, at a younger age, sets healthier expectations for managing stress levels later in life. It also engrains the hobby of reading which is just a gift that keeps on giving as the benefits are endless, no matter what age you are.
We’ve taken it upon ourselves to carefully curate a list of books which we recommend for our year 5 students. Find it attached below!
We also created the exercise below for a bit of fun!
