Why reading supports empathy

Whilst I appreciate that I am biased, being a child Matilda and the author of 30 books, I cannot pretend that I am not a lover of reading. However, something that is less spoken about is the role that books play in mental health, and I am not referring to the role of self-development books (which are amazing).

Reading is an area of focus in curriculum, but I meet many children who do not like reading. However, I like to think of this as them not yet having found their type of book. Interestingly, and also of concern, the average adult reading age in the UK is only 9 years old (Office for National Statistics) and the Literacy Trust discuss that 1.7 million adults have reading skills below that of the average 11 year old. This equates to 1 in 6 adults. Beyond the challenges that this creates for parents who are supporting child learning, there is a wider gap that a lack of reading skills creates.

Reading has multiple benefits, whilst we frequently discuss the impact on our vocabulary and literacy skills, what else does it help with?

• Reading is correlate to reduced stress levels
• Reading is associated with greater emotional awareness
• Reading develops our understanding of cause and effect
• Reading supports our understanding of right and wrong
• Reading develops our problem solving skills
• Reading develops our empathy skills, supporting us to explore characters, the feelings, behaviours and motivation of others and deepening our understanding of the beliefs of others
• Reading fiction is associated to greater social ability and the highest empathy with others
• Reading improves our cognitive function
• Reading activates the brain’s neural pathways, which in turn can enhance memory, focus and creativity
• Reading improves mood and is considered to reduce depression risks
• Reading fiction has been correlated to activating the aspects of the prefrontal cortex which are related to perspective taking
• Reading fiction is associated with a greater understanding of nature and our own place within the world
• Interestingly, one study found that older adults who read regularly had a 20% lower mortality rate
• Reading is beneficial even before children learn to speak, laying foundations for effective language use and comprehension

What’s next?

Thinking about how we role model reading to children, and the opportunities that they have to share written books with the adults and peers in their worlds is central to developing understanding. Whilst they say we all have a book in us, we perhaps need to consider how we help children find the books that set their hearts on fire. Consider how we can provide children opportunities to develop their reading skills and passions.

Want to learn more? 

Would you like to deliver emotional literacy interventions in your work? Our Level 3 Emotional Literacy Mentor qualification takes you through the theory and practice to deliver emotional literacy support for children aged 3-12 years. You can start today by joining (click here)

Are you looking for a deeper understanding of child mental health? Our Level 4 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Coaching Diploma takes you into an in depth dive of child mental health and how you can support.  You can join our Level 4 training (here).

© Nicky Edwards – All Rights Reserved

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