Why is reading important?
No one can argue the importance of student literacy. However, many don’t realise just how vital reading is to a child’s development.
A report by the American Pediatrics Association, for example, found that reading when young – and being read to when a baby or toddler – leads to increased academic success down the road.
Studies also show that those who read for pleasure perform better in literacy tests than those who do not. Regular readers also develop a broader vocabulary, have better general knowledge, and demonstrate a wider understanding of other cultures.
Advancing cognitive development
A growing body of research indicates that reading literally changes your mind, too. Using MRI scans, researchers found that reading involves a complex network of circuits and signals in the brain. As your reading ability develops, these networks get stronger and more sophisticated.
Interestingly, the science also shows that areas of the brain ‘light up’ when reading. This is an occurrence often reflected on our students’ faces when they’re immersed in an absorbing picture book or novel! -
The benefits of reading
At a young age, reading provides comfort and reassurance, joy and fun. As a child grows, reading develops their fundamental communication and language skills. Reading is also a passport to a thousand adventures!
Children who read:
- Have a larger and more extensive vocabulary.
- Perform better academically.
- Are more imaginative and creative.
- Are more empathetic.
- Gain a deeper understanding of the world.
- Have improved concentration levels.
- Develop their cognitive function.
- Have more advanced social skills.
The benefits of reading on academic development
The research shows a clear correlation between reading and academic attainment, as discussed above. But how does this translate to our classrooms – and beyond?
These are just some of the tangible educational benefits of reading we see, particularly among our younger learners:
1. Reading improves focus
Reading focuses a child’s attention on the task at hand, immersing them in information and improving their concentration and memory. At Champittet, we enjoy engaging story times that encourage our early years children to sit and listen, which has lasting benefits throughout their education.
2. Reading stimulates creativity
When we watch a film or stream a programme, all the information is given to us on screen – we don’t need to imagine anything. A book, however, is simply words on a page. Our children need to use their imaginations to bring these stories to life. This creativity is then put to good use across the curriculum, particularly in the performing arts and STEAM subjects.
3. Reading broadens horizons
Reading can teach our students anything and everything. It unlocks new interests, opening their eyes to different places, people, and ideas. It also gives our children an early understanding of alternative perspectives, broadening their horizons.
4. Reading improves communication
Reading books develops our children’s vocabularies and enhances their listening and speaking skills. Knowledge gained through reading something they enjoy stays with them. It doesn’t feel like hard work, either.
5. Reading builds confidence
A positive reading experience gives our children confidence. Reading has lots of social benefits, too. We love to see our students talking to their classmates about a story they’ve read or enjoyed listening to.
Building reading habits from an early age
We love reading at Collège Champittet. And from an early age we place great emphasis on the importance of reading skills. We believe that learning to read is about listening and understanding, as well as working out what is printed on the page.
Reading lies at the heart of the curriculum, particularly for our younger students. In the early years, we expose our children to a wide range of themes through regular storytelling. Our children hear new sounds, words, and phrases, which they can then try out, copying what they’ve heard. This develops their vocabulary and improves their understanding, which is vital as they begin to read for themselves.
Creating a reading culture
We strive to create a strong reading culture across the entire school through a range of strategies, including:
- Cultivating a creative, engaging, and welcoming library space, which is filled with books for all interests.
- Organising peer-to-peer reading opportunities, where our older students read with our younger learners.
- Arranging school author visits to inspire students to read and write more.
- Hosting reading marathons where children set a reading goal and collect donations for every page they read. Not only is it a great way to promote literacy and a love for reading, but it also helps support our Collège Champittet Foundation!
- Organising trips and activities linked to books read in the classroom.
