What could possibly be better that having a leisurely afternoon and a drink of, let’s say, orange juice while relaxing with a book? With the Spring Break starting on Friday, there is no better time to dive into your favourite genre; read another book by your favourite author; or read something completely new.
Reading for pleasure has repeatedly been shown by research not only to boost academic performance across the curriculum, but perhaps even more importantly, also to support wellbeing. It has been suggested that the positive impact of reading for pleasure can be grouped into three broader categories: personal, social and external outcomes.
Personal outcomes of reading for pleasure include:
- Relaxation
- Focus and flow
- Enjoyment
- Escapism
- Creativity and imagination
- Knowledge of self and self-identity
- Emotional intelligence
Social outcomes of reading for pleasure include:
- Reduced depressions symptoms
- Reduced dementia symptoms
- Parent – child communication
- Positive parenting
- Empathy
- Social and cultural capital
- Communication skills
- Self-expression
External outcomes of reading for pleasure include:
- Motivation to learn
- Knowledge of other cultures
- Improved attainment, including numeracy and mathematics
Year 4 learners have been reading for pleasure at school this term, harnessing the positive impact of reading for pleasure. This has helped children develop the Personal Learning Goals (PLGs) and encouraged them to take risks with text choices. The children have explored a range of books through sessions in the class, in the library and during a reading for pleasure assembly. This is what they have to say about it:
‘I read for pleasure because it doesn’t need WiFi and on the plane you can easily skip the electronics.’ Alan
‘I like reading for pleasure because it’s relaxing and gives me time to find more things I enjoy.’ Hagar
‘I like reading for pleasure because it is fun.‘ Can
‘I like reading because when you are bored you can read to entertain yourself. Reading for pleasure means enjoying reading; reading about something you like. If you like cooking you can read recipes.’
DR MARIA BRITTON
YEAR 4 TEAM LEADER
