Why is reading so important?

Hello – and welcome to the Beverley High School Book Blog!

Click to enlarge

 

This first post is aimed at parents, and I’ve written it to address concerns that I often hear about reading habits when young people get to secondary school.

 

You may have seen this graphic – or one like it – before. It is based on research by Nagy and Herman (1987) and illustrates their stark findings about the impact of reading.

 

Many students and their parents assume that reading ability is fixed by the time they reach secondary school. However, our own Reading Intervention Programme strongly suggests that regular reading can have a big impact in a short space of time – and that confident readers who neglect their reading can stall in their progress too. This study by the University of Sussex seems to back up our findings.

 

So, it’s never too late to build a reading habit.

 

The purpose of this blog is to provide both students and parents with inspiration and motivation to read. We’ll be looking for contributions from our own students to share their reviews, recommendations and responses, and we’ll be looking at more opportunities to get books in hands in school too.

 

What We’re Doing in School

At Beverley High School, our students already read a lot. Our English Curriculum is literature-focused and introduces students to influential and challenging texts. In other lessons, students learn to read and understand the conventions and language of subject specific texts. And in tutor time, form tutors read to their groups twice a week.

 

However, parents and students often report that an early love of reading in primary school fades away completely in secondary school. New routines, new friendships and, most of all, new devices in pockets can quickly put a squeeze on that time that was once reserved for reading. Sometimes, enthusiasm for reading stalls as students get bored of children’s fiction and don’t know where to turn next. But even the busiest of young people can - and should - find the time to re-build their reading habit. Here’s why, and how:

 

The Importance of Reading at Home

The benefits of reading are undeniable, and fostering a love for reading can have profound and lasting impacts on their development, academic success, and mental well-being.

 

1. Reading Improves Academic Performance

One of the most immediate benefits of regular reading is its impact on academic achievement. Research has shown that students who read for pleasure tend to perform better in school across all subjects. A study conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found that students who read daily for pleasure scored significantly higher in reading assessments than those who didn’t. This is because reading enhances vocabulary, improves comprehension skills, and exposes teens to a wide range of ideas and perspectives that are applicable in every subject.

Interestingly, research from GL Assessment highlights that the impact of poor reading comprehension extends beyond just English and literature classes. The study revealed that students with lower reading comprehension skills often struggle more in subjects like Maths and Science than in English Literature. This is because these subjects require students to understand complex word problems, follow detailed instructions, and grasp abstract concepts—all skills that are heavily reliant on strong reading abilities. As a result, students who do not read regularly may find themselves at a disadvantage across the entire curriculum, not just in language-based subjects.

This phenomenon is often explained by the "Matthew Effect," a term coined by psychologist Keith Stanovich. The Matthew Effect, named after a biblical passage that implies “the rich get richer and the poor get poorer,” describes how small advantages in reading ability can compound over time. Children who start reading early and continue to read regularly tend to develop stronger reading skills, which makes them more successful in school. This success, in turn, encourages more reading, creating a positive feedback loop. Conversely, students who do not read as much may fall behind, struggling more with schoolwork, which can lead to frustration and a further decrease in reading habits. Therefore, encouraging your child to read regularly can help them stay ahead academically and avoid falling into the negative cycle of the Matthew Effect.

2. Reading Reduces Stress and Boosts Mental Health

Teenagers today face pressures coming from school, social life, and the digital world. Reading can be an effective way for teens to unwind and escape from daily stressors. Immersing themselves in a good book provides a mental break and can improve their mood. A 2009 study by the University of Sussex found that reading can reduce stress by up to 68%, more than listening to music, taking a walk, or having a cup of tea. This is because reading allows the mind to focus on something other than the immediate stressors, promoting relaxation and a sense of calm.

Encouraging your child to read before bed, instead of scrolling through social media, can also promote better sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Reading a physical book, on the other hand, helps the brain wind down and prepares the body for restful sleep.

 

3. Reading Fosters Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

Fiction, in particular, allows teens to experience life from different perspectives, helping them develop empathy and a deeper understanding of the world around them. When teens read stories about characters from diverse backgrounds or who face unique challenges, they learn to see the world through others’ eyes. This ability to understand and share the feelings of others—known as emotional intelligence—is critical for building strong, healthy relationships, both in adolescence and adulthood.

Research supports this idea: a study published in Science in 2013 found that reading literary fiction improves readers' ability to understand others' mental states and emotions. This "theory of mind" is essential for navigating complex social relationships and is a key component of emotional intelligence.

 

4. Reading Encourages Lifelong Learning

In a rapidly changing world, the ability to continuously learn and adapt is invaluable. By instilling a love of reading in your child, you’re helping them develop a habit of lifelong learning. Reading broadens their knowledge base, inspires curiosity, and encourages them to seek out new information long after their formal education ends. A teen who enjoys reading is more likely to continue learning new skills and exploring new ideas as they grow, which can lead to greater success and fulfilment in their personal and professional lives.

 

 

Incorporating reading into your child’s daily routine may take time and patience, but the rewards are well worth the effort. By fostering a love for reading, you’re not only supporting their academic success but also helping them develop the skills and resilience they need to navigate life’s challenges. In a world full of distractions, reading remains a powerful tool for growth, learning, and emotional well-being.

 

Finally, remember: we’re here to help! Over the coming weeks, months and (hopefully) years, we’ll be posting news, reviews, reading lists, and articles about reading and books to continually reinforce the importance, infinite possibilities and power of reading.

 

Thanks for reading!

 

Mr Muralee

Head of English

Further reading:

Reading novels quickly brings weak readers up to speed