“The more you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you will go.” – Dr. Seuss
Books can transport kids to different places, introduce them to new perspectives and fuel success in and out of the classroom. What else can books do? Let’s find out! Here, we’ll share 9 benefits of reading books and why your kid should read every day.
1. Expands Knowledge
Books open up a wealth of new facts and ideas, giving kids a crucial advantage during their formative years. Whether it’s a picture book or a captivating novel, reading lets them soak in information in a fun and engaging way.
2. Sharpens the Mind
Reading stimulates the brain in a variety of ways, from processing information to making connections between ideas to visualizing the content. It’s like exercise for a kid’s mind, keeping it active and improving overall function.
3. Improves Focus
Today’s kids are bombarded with distractions of all kinds. From games to streaming shows to social media, they’re pulled in so many different directions. Reading commands their attention for longer stretches, helping them develop the ability to focus.
4. Boosts Memory
When kids read, they store a lot of information about the story’s plot, subplots, characters and environment. All of this prompts the formation of new memories. And each memory creates new synapses or strengthens existing ones.
5. Brings Enjoyment
Another benefit of reading books? It’s fun! Books let kids explore their favorite topics and keep them engrossed in fictional worlds. And relaxing with a book can have benefits beyond just immediate enjoyment: One study showed that just 30 minutes of reading can lower your blood pressure, pulse rate and feeling of discomfort.
6. Builds Empathy
Books teach kids empathy by exposing them to diverse viewpoints and letting them experience the world through someone else’s point of view. According to professor of education Maria Nikolajeva of Cambridge University, “reading fiction provides an excellent training for young people in developing and practicing empathy and theory of mind, that is, understanding of how other people feel and think.”
7. Strengthens Communication
When kids read, they strengthen their vocabulary and familiarize themselves with the style, cadence and structure of words and phrases. All of this can help them gain a better grasp of language, making them better communicators in their everyday lives.
8. Enhances Writing Skills
Want your kid to be a great writer? Encourage them to read! Reading helps kids develop vital writing skills. They grow their vocabularies, learn different writing techniques and gain exposure to language patterns, all of which helps them become better writers themselves.
9. Fuels Imagination
Reading opens kids’ minds to a universe of new and unexplored possibilities. It immerses them in different worlds, from realistic to historical to fantastical. And it encourages them to use their imaginations to create mental images of the characters, settings and situations being portrayed.
Want your kids to experience these benefits of reading? Give them access to a world of books—there are over 40,000 to choose from on Epic! And if you have a reluctant reader, check out our post where we share 7 ways to help kids fall in love with reading.
