With the benefits of nightly reading, kids gain a real boost. At our classical school, Houston parents often ask us about reading at home.
Often, we think that kids read far less today than they used to. In fact, some studies show that fewer than 20% of teens in America read for pleasure.
Now, it’s not always easy to have your child curl up with a good book for hours on end. Oftentimes, they lean more towards gaming, social media, texting, and exploring the digital world. However, with a mere 20 minutes, they gain the benefits of nightly ready.
20 minutes is something anyone can commit to, right?
The Importance of Nightly Reading
There are many benefits of nightly reading for 20 minutes each day. Let’s explore a few of them!
#1 Early Reading Influences Academic Success
When kids read for about 20 minutes each day, it exposes them to a larger vocabulary. According to some research, this exposure makes them more likely to score within the 90th percentile on standardized tests.
When you compare this with children who read only for a few minutes each day, who tend to score lower, it’s simple to see how this reading time influences their academic success.
Additionally, another study that involved about 10 million students shows that only those who read for a minimum of 15 minutes each day achieved accelerated reading gains. Moreover, those reading less were at risk of falling behind the rest of their peers.
If you weren’t sure whether to have your kid spend some time reading each night, hopefully, these statistics clear things up.
#2 Reading Helps to Improve Writing Skills
To build on the previous benefit, as they build their vocabulary, it benefits their writing as well. Basically, the more often your child reads, the wider their vocabulary grows. Moreover, a wide vocabulary makes their writing more interesting.
With a broader vocabulary, children discover new ways to express themselves, articulate their thoughts, engage readers, use figurative language, and persuade people. This helps children become stronger writers, which benefits them at every age.
Conversely, children who don’t read as often are less likely to expand their linguistic abilities. Unfortunately, that has the potential to hold their writing back.
#3 Reading Stimulates the Imagination
Studies show that children’s imaginations hold quite a bit of power. In fact, scientists believe that creative imaging has the power to rewrite certain memories. This makes some things less traumatic.
However, it also has the potential to enhance certain physical connections with the body. For instance, when children use their imagination to play the piano, it might boost the connections between the brain and the fingers. As such, developing a stronger imagination has the potential to help people gain better control over their memories and thoughts.
What does that have to do with your child?
Well, one of the benefits of nightly reading is that it helps to strengthen your child’s imagination. Stories introduce them to new cultures, ideas, and possibilities outside of their personal experiences. As they learn about the world, it stimulates their curiosity and gives them a stronger understanding of the world.
#4 Fiction Stimulates Children’s Creativity
Now, from the imagination over to creativity. While related, these are two different benefits of nightly reading.
When a child gets lost in a fictional world, it helps them expand their creativity. As they experience new worlds, situations, characters, concepts, and feelings, it helps them flex their creative muscles.
Additionally, reading introduces the idea that people can make a career out of creativity. That has the potential to inspire an exploration of their own creativity. Moreover, it might inform their educational path and career choices down the line.
#5 Helps Kids Relax at Bedtime
No matter the age, kids have quite a bit going on. They constantly learn new things and experience stressful changes. Luckily, one of the benefits of nightly reading is that it helps them relax at the end of the day.
Moreover, it helps them whether you read to your child or allow them to read on their own before bed. In fact, the UK National Literacy Trust found that 90% of children feel at their happiest as they read and write. While that might seem less believable if your child is glued to a screen, they might just need a little nudge towards a better path.
#6 Reading Helps Build Empathy
Research shows that reading helps children develop empathy. This is because it challenges them to consider how the characters think and feel. Additionally, you can give them a light boost with some active participation.
Both parents and teachers have an opportunity to support this development through simple questions.
- Why did this character do that?
- What could make them feel better?
- How would you feel in that situation?
As they learn to consider the feelings of others and approach different situations, it helps children grow to be more compassionate.
Explore the Benefits of Reading with Our Classical School
As a classical school Houston parents trust, we believe in the power of ready. When young children reap the benefits of nightly reading, they learn more about the world and boost their academic performance. Moreover, they tap into their creative potential!
While our students have assignments, we always encourage their love of learning. With a short trip to the library or a bookstore, you can foster a love of reading in your child.
Chances are we could all gain a lot from reading a little more!