Failing to mention learning differences undermines this entire write up. An under supported child with dyslexia who CANNOT read is going to be more inclined to have mental health problems, stress, undesirable behavior... They will be more inclined to escape into a screen, as well. 1 in 5 children have dyslexia; statistically they are more likely to also have ADHD. Children with dyslexia need evidence-based instruction or they will not acquire strong literacy skills. Romantic ideals like modeling at home, etc. do not work in a bubble without the instruction happening in parallel. Our education system, more often than not, does not provide this necessary instruction without caregivers going to incredible lengths advocating for it. You mention ADHD repeatedly but why not dyslexia? The Matthew Effect is real. https://cup.columbia.edu/book/the-matthew-effect/9780231149488
This is an awesome article! It's crazy to think reading could have such a significant effect on something like brain structure (and in multiple different areas as well). I especially loved the points you made about how to encourage reading for pleasure. I, as a kid, would read, but not usually for pleasure. But lately, as an adult, I've started thinking more about getting into reading. I think it is exactly as you said! Giving your child the freedom to choose topics that are to their liking are sure to encourage reading for pleasure. I plan to explore a bit and do the same. Great post! :)
It is important for kids and adults to read for pleasure. Reading for pleasure may look different as an adult and you need to try to find a new “practice”.
Thanks for bringing our attention to this issue. Reading for pleasure is so important, more important than scrolling on screens. I appreciate your tips on just how can we pull our children out of their social media holes and back into pleasurable reading and using their imaginations.
Reading is such a great practice to strengthen all kinds of skills (especially lengthening attention span, which is hard to do these days)! Especially with the ubiquity of tablets and screens for even very young children, it's great to have research encouraging parents to actively build reading into their daily lives.
YES! I’m obviously biased but as a lifelong reader I am in resounding agreement. Especially based on the anecdata of my observations in my own life. I mean the reason the human race has survived and thrived for so long is because of the power of story. ❤️
I love reading for pleasure so it was important for me to try to support it in both of my children as they grew up. Their love of reading has ebbed and flowed, but there is nothing better than seeing your child pick up a book on their own. I am glad we are seeing research coming out on this important topic!
I hear you! Reading for pleasure is so important and I am so glad we are beginning to do research on it. I would love a long-term study looking at implications into adulthood! Thank you for following, reading, and commenting!,
Failing to mention learning differences undermines this entire write up. An under supported child with dyslexia who CANNOT read is going to be more inclined to have mental health problems, stress, undesirable behavior... They will be more inclined to escape into a screen, as well. 1 in 5 children have dyslexia; statistically they are more likely to also have ADHD. Children with dyslexia need evidence-based instruction or they will not acquire strong literacy skills. Romantic ideals like modeling at home, etc. do not work in a bubble without the instruction happening in parallel. Our education system, more often than not, does not provide this necessary instruction without caregivers going to incredible lengths advocating for it. You mention ADHD repeatedly but why not dyslexia? The Matthew Effect is real. https://cup.columbia.edu/book/the-matthew-effect/9780231149488
This is an awesome article! It's crazy to think reading could have such a significant effect on something like brain structure (and in multiple different areas as well). I especially loved the points you made about how to encourage reading for pleasure. I, as a kid, would read, but not usually for pleasure. But lately, as an adult, I've started thinking more about getting into reading. I think it is exactly as you said! Giving your child the freedom to choose topics that are to their liking are sure to encourage reading for pleasure. I plan to explore a bit and do the same. Great post! :)
It is important for kids and adults to read for pleasure. Reading for pleasure may look different as an adult and you need to try to find a new “practice”.
Thanks for bringing our attention to this issue. Reading for pleasure is so important, more important than scrolling on screens. I appreciate your tips on just how can we pull our children out of their social media holes and back into pleasurable reading and using their imaginations.
Yes! It is important to get our kids out of social media rabbit holes!!
Reading is such a great practice to strengthen all kinds of skills (especially lengthening attention span, which is hard to do these days)! Especially with the ubiquity of tablets and screens for even very young children, it's great to have research encouraging parents to actively build reading into their daily lives.
YES! I’m obviously biased but as a lifelong reader I am in resounding agreement. Especially based on the anecdata of my observations in my own life. I mean the reason the human race has survived and thrived for so long is because of the power of story. ❤️
I love the power of story and would like to see more research on oral story sharing in families.
I love reading for pleasure so it was important for me to try to support it in both of my children as they grew up. Their love of reading has ebbed and flowed, but there is nothing better than seeing your child pick up a book on their own. I am glad we are seeing research coming out on this important topic!
I agree,! I am starting to see this in my oldest and it warms my heart!
Great post! I can't say "I totally agree" loud enough. While it is important for children to learn to read...learning to love reading is even better.
I hear you! Reading for pleasure is so important and I am so glad we are beginning to do research on it. I would love a long-term study looking at implications into adulthood! Thank you for following, reading, and commenting!,