‘‘ T
Research
The substantiating evidence reinforces these claims. Nicola Morgan’s exploration of the teenage brain, documented in her blog The Reading Brain (
https://nicolamorgan.com/ core-resource-the-reading-brain), includes links to both her own research and that of others. Neuroscientist Gregory Burns’ study (https://
tinyurl.com/ybm9hjd7) discovered that reading a novel created heightened connectivity in the left temporal cortex (associated with language) persisting for five days after the participants completed the story. The Open University (OU) Reading for Pleasure (RfP) programme is grounded in extensive OU research (
https://ourfp.org/ publications). Theresa Cremin, Professor of Education (Literacy) at the OU, collaborates with teachers and librarians to establish a reading for pleasure initiative in schools. In a BBC analysis (
https://tinyurl.com/3jkuzuja) radio programme Cremin emphasised the association between children who regularly choose to read for pleasure and enhanced language skills, enriched narrative writing, and broader general knowledge; fiction plays a crucial role in exposing readers to narrative and writing skills, fostering familiarity with sentence structures and various forms of speech. Professor Margaret Merga’s comprehensive research (
www.researchgate. net/profile/Margaret-Merga-2) on school libraries includes the importance of reading. In her book, Creating a Reading Culture in Primary and Secondary Schools (Facet, 2023), she considers that “literacy skills have transferable value” and that students who read regularly have
March 2024
...reading for pleasure is not merely a leisure activity but a transformative practice with far-reaching implications for our personal growth.
School Libraries Group The science of reading
HE ultimate aspiration for school librarians is to create a culture of readers – students who opt for reading over
alternative activities, and the zenith of this endeavour is witnessing these readers deeply engrossed in fiction. While there’s certainly merit in
reading information books, delving into stories offers a myriad of advantages – from improved brain connectivity and increased achievement in all academic subjects through to the development of empathy and supported wellbeing.
“stronger reading comprehension skills … that support students’ performance across all subjects”(pp. 8-9).
According to a report from the National
Literacy Trust (
https://tinyurl.com/bddscjxu), insights from children and young people in a 2023 survey reveal the significant role of reading in supporting their mental wellbeing through relaxation, instilling happiness, boosting confidence, and aiding in problem-solving.
Evidence
Key evidence from the Public Health England briefing: The Link between Pupil Health and Wellbeing and Attainment (
https://tinyurl.com/ekyrmshd) indicates that students with better wellbeing are more likely to achieve better academically, and have effective social and emotional competencies. Reading has also been found to increase empathy and emotional skills; research (
www.empathylab.uk/research) by the Empathy Lab shows that empathy is a “learnable skill and that reading builds real-life empathy.” An international study (https://tinyurl. com/2p9wy9a8) conducted by the National Literacy Trust on book ownership and mental wellbeing, spanning 27 nations, revealed that the number of books in a household is a robust predictor of reading proficiency. Surprisingly, it was found to be as influential as parental education and even surpassed the predictive power of the father’s occupation and the family’s socioeconomic background. According to a PISA in Focus (https://
tinyurl.com/5et96rea) paper by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD – https://tinyurl. com/ywk4eazm), students highly engaged in diverse reading activities demonstrated a higher likelihood of being effective learners and achieving success in school. It found that reading proficiency Enables individuals to comprehend the world around them, and the paper highlights that, on average, students who read for enjoyment daily achieve academic scores equivalent to one and a half years more of schooling compared to those who do not. As the writer Neil Gaiman says: “In reading you get to feel things, visit places and worlds you would never otherwise know. You learn that everyone else out
Barbara Band is a School Library Consultant and SLG Newsletter Editor.
INSIGHT
Caroline Roche (
chair.slg@
cilip.org.uk) Chair, MA, MCLIP Chair CILIP School Libraries Group
www.cilip.org.uk/SLG
there is a me, as well. Empathy is a tool for building people into groups, for allowing us to function as more than self-obsessed individuals.”
Benefits
Delving into the science and benefits of reading for pleasure underscores the profound impact this seemingly simple activity can have on our cognitive, emotional, and educational well-being. Scientific studies reveal lasting positive effects, and the findings consistently emphasise the crucial role of reading for pleasure in shaping effective learners, fostering academic success, and enhancing overall mental wellbeing. Moving beyond neuroscience, reading
fiction offers a unique sanctuary for the mind, offering relaxation and fostering empathy. As we navigate the digital age, where information is abundant but often fleeting, the enduring benefits of immersing oneself in the world of literature become increasingly apparent. In essence, the evidence converges to paint a compelling picture: reading for pleasure is not merely a leisure activity but a transformative practice with far- reaching implications for our personal growth. It is a pursuit that transcends the pages of a book so let us embrace the joy of reading. IP
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