The importance and benefits of reading for children

As well as improving literacy and academic performance, evidence shows the benefits of reading can also enhance life chances for children in many other areas.
From the escapism of a fairy tale to soaking up the details of a specific area of interest, reading takes children on a journey of discovery.
Because the benefits of reading for children are so extensive, we offer our playground partners a wide range of equipment and design ideas to encourage a life-long love of reading even when playing or learning outdoors.
Coupling the benefits of reading with the benefits of outdoor learning adds a richness to literacy sessions and widens the appeal of reading among pupils.

Reading can help to increase levels of concentration among children and provide a deeper understanding of the world.

The University of Cambridge has published a study into the benefits of reading for children. It discovered that children who begin reading for pleasure early in life perform better at cognitive tests.
As part of the study, the research team looked at brain scans of teenagers who had taken to reading for pleasure while younger.
They showed moderately larger total brain areas and volumes including in the brain regions that are key to cognitive function.
The report showed significant evidence that reading is linked to important developmental factors in children, including cognition, mental health and brain structure.

Mental stimulation like reading can help to protect memory and thinking skills. In older people, reading is said to help reduce the risk of conditions like dementia. 
In children, reading invites youngsters into different worlds helping to stimulate the side of the brain dealing with mental imagery, understanding and language processing.
A US study, led by the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, discovered that brain activity was higher in children who were read to at home more often, highlighting the importance of reading.
Advice for new parents includes reading to babies early in their lives, supporting language development and early reading skills as well as the role of imagination.

Communication and language are said to underpin the seven key development areas in the early years foundation stage framework.
These skills are considered among the three prime areas for learning. Listening and speaking skills are developed through conversations as well as activities like sharing stories and discussing books.

Reading a variety of material is perfect for helping children to expand their vocabulary and recognise words.
The benefits of reading mean children are introduced to words that do not crop up in everyday conversations. As well as delivering new information to children, books have the ability to introduce alternative ways of describing things and presenting new experiences.
Building vocabulary builds knowledge and the more vocabulary skills children have, the more likely they are to read widely.
Reading can also benefit children who are good at speaking, exposing them to more complex and sophisticated words.
Using language and words repeatedly in different contexts helps children to better understand different concepts. 
It promotes healthy curiosity. When children come across unfamiliar words they’ll learn to ask questions and do their own research.
Even at a young age, inquisitive minds will begin to learn larger words and their meanings. Significantly, they’ll learn how to use this vocab in a sentence – a great way to help improve their literacy abilities.

Reading can help to reduce the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers.
The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education delivered a project with 32 London schools with high indicators of social deprivation.
It found reading, revisiting and discussing texts over a sustained period improved language and writing processes, while reading at home increases children’s enthusiasm and motivation as independent readers.
Regular reading can help students progress along their journey in education, from becoming fluent in the alphabet to more advanced reading.
As they read more and more books of increasing difficulty, children are introduced to different and more interesting grammatical styles. 
For example, reading regularly introduces children to new ways of framing sentences allowing them to progress from the traditional capital letter and full stop, on to more complex punctuation.
These new writing techniques will then allow them to progress on to specific styles of writing, such as “informative” or “persuasive”. These are skills they can carry with them through school, and into adult life.

Reading about different experiences and cultures can help children to develop empathy and understanding for others.
Exploring topics such as diversity, inclusion and tolerance through books and stories is a good way to engage pupils by exposing them to new cultures and perspectives. The benefits of reading include introducing children to new people and new situations.
Reading also allows children to see the world through the eyes of a specific character, helping them to understand different beliefs and motivations.

Reading is a great way to broaden a child’s mind. Through different books, a child can improve their knowledge and begin to understand the complex issues in the world around them.
Even reading fantasy stories can improve this understanding. Tales of witches, wizards, princesses and knights often raise the idea of “right and wrong” in a child friendly manner.
They may even provide an introduction to ideas surrounding life and death. This can really help when it comes to approaching otherwise taboo topics.

Reading together – whether it is at home, in the classroom or in small break out groups – encourages discussion, with little ones bonding over shared reactions and reviews. 
Children will interact with the characters as well as each other. Reading can help to strengthen relationships with adults and children, as they spend quality time together to sing, look at pictures, read stories or rehearse rhymes.

Reading encourages children to explore and think about their emotions. It can explain new ways to deal with emotions and situations and allows children to learn about different life experiences.
Books can outline different problems and solutions, inspiring children to think about their own reactions and how they would deal with various situations.
Reading helps little ones to develop emotional intelligence in a safe environment, building their confidence to share their own feelings.

Reading is one of the main ways to acquire knowledge. Books, magazines and other reading materials contain information about different subjects. They can stimulate the brain and expand thinking skills.

Reading is just one way to learn more about life. It can be inspiring and thought provoking, open doorways to new adventures and challenge existing beliefs.
For children, reading is important as it can teach many life lessons such as critical thinking skills, the power of teamwork and the importance of looking beyond appearances.
Knowledge learned from books stays with children and they can build on it as they go through life.

Reading is important in all subjects, and it can influence academic performance.
University College London (UCL) discovered that pupils who enjoyed reading quality books on a daily basis, scored higher in tests.
Less complex and less engaging forms of text were less likely to bring the same benefits its research showed.
The Book Trust has also shared evidence that reading can improve a child’s literacy and academic performance.
It said children who read are more likely to do better and school and make more progress across the curriculum.

Reading is a healthy habit because it improves concentration, memory and focus. It can develop the attention span of children and help them to cope with distractions.
Reading helps to keep the brain sharp and healthy, by giving it a good workout.

Story time at home can also strengthen family bonds. Creating a special time to read together ensures quality interactive experiences that will stay with children and become something to look forward to.
It’s a great way to connect as it encourages children to ask questions and fosters a love of learning.

Good reading habits are formed in dedicated reading spaces for children. At Hand Made Places we specialise in creating outdoor reading areas and literacy zones.
One of our best-selling products is the Storyteller’s Chair, an iconic piece of playground furniture which draws pupils in to listen to a book, rhyme or story.
We even have a mini version for young storytellers, to help build confidence and practise public speaking.
Outdoor reading and literacy areas can feature group or individual seating such as Amazing Seating or our Button Stools – after all, a comfy seat is the perfect match for a good book.
We take storytelling to a different level of engagement with the Puppet Theatre and Star Stage, creating performance areas where plays can be acted out or stories told through different mediums.
The importance of reading includes a better level of understanding and the themes and issues within books can be explored further with the help of tools such as our Totems or Play Sculptures.
These provide tactile and visual prompts to provoke debate and engage all students in language and communication activities.
The importance of reading for children goes beyond basic literacy skills and it should be an experience for all pupils to benefit from.
To discuss how to develop an outdoor reading area in your school playground or early years outdoor learning space, fill out our contact form or get in touch with our team today.