By Gavin Mackintosh And Naz Rani-
Educators also have a pivotal role in shaping children’s mental well-being through literacy, the National Literacy Trust has said.
An improved mental well being for children and adults is more likely, when a love for reading engaging and insightful material is developed, according to the Trust, which conducts periodic research on literacv and mental well being.
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The organization which works with people all the way from early years to primary and secondary school, as well as adult in the criminal justice system, has emphasized the value of regular reading from a young age.
It follows a drop in reading levels for young people between the ages of 8 and 18 in the Trust’s 2023 research, following research gathered from 71,351 responses in its Annual Literacy Survey from children and young people aged 5 to 18 in early 2023.
On Thursday, British school minister Nick Gibbs praised British children as being the best readers in the West, after a rise in reading competence in the past two years, which was still below pandemic levels.
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The National Literacy Trust has spent decades influencing schools in Britain to promote a love of reading, making plenty of progress over the years, but still calls for educators to continue to encourage children to develop a love for reading, and encourage parents to have books at home for their children to read.
A spokesperson from The National Literacy Trust told The Eye Of Media.Com: ”Research shows that children who read are happier and demonstrate a higher level of mental well being.
‘It improves literacy skills and competence levels in your jobs and is more likely to impact on personal relationships. Its values extend to all areas of life.
Traditionally, the importance of a strong literacy foundation in the early years has been viewed through the lens of academic achievement.
‘Alot of schools have a fantastic culture of reading for pleasure, and many of the pupils respond to it. Some children from disadvantaged backgrounds who have no books at home are less likely to benefit from this culture.
‘So it helps when children have books at home, and if they see their parents read too.
‘Lack of reading can sometimes be an intergenerational problem.
‘Parents who struggle to read and don’t read at all are less likely to have children who read beyond the classroom
‘The Trust regularly gifts disadvantaged communities with books to help children’.
‘The ability to read and write fluently has long been recognized as the foundation upon which future educational success is built, and also significantly, improves the mental well being
‘A healthy mental well being has a positive effect on every aspect of an individual’s life, enabling them to think more creatively and solve problems better.
‘The national Literacy Trust are now in our 30th year, and has been influenced many schools right from early years up to secondary schools in impressing this on educators, but there is more work to be done in this respect’
Research by the organisation shows that 59.4% of those who read say it helps them relax.
46% say reading makes them happy, and 30% say it makes them more confident and helps them with problems.
Fewer than 3 in 10 (28.0%) children and young people aged 8 to 18 said that they read daily in 2023, matching levels seen in 2022.
There has been a 26% decrease in the number of children and young people aged 8 to 18 who read daily in their free time since 2005 (decreasing from 38.1% to 28.0%).
Fewer children and young people who receive FSMs said they read daily compared with those who don’t (24.1% vs. 28.9%)
life coach Sheila Mckenzie, who said: ‘higher levels of mental well-being can have a profoundly positive influence on academic achievement.
‘It highlights the intriguing idea that well-being is not just a consequence of academic success but, rather, a precursor that can impact a child’s ability to learn.
The Trust adopts the view that every child is unique and that children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships. It also teaches that children learn and develop in different ways and at different rates.
This widely-used and trusted resource includes fantastic ideas for developing young children’s communication and language, engaging families with the setting and supporting young children with special needs – to name just a few.
Early Literacy and Mental Health
The study draws a significant connection between the early development of literacy skills, specifically vocabulary, and children’s mental health.
Notably, poor vocabulary skills in five-year-olds have been linked to mental health problems in adulthood. This finding stresses the importance of addressing these issues in the early years of a child’s life.
As the adage goes, “Words have power.” The study takes this concept a step further by revealing that words can not only empower a child’s mind but also their mental well-being.
The research postulates that a rich and diverse vocabulary can be a protective shield against future mental health issues. This makes a compelling case for parents, caregivers, and educators to focus on building a child’s vocabulary even before they start school.
The Mental Health Landscape
Mental health problems in young people are on the rise, and addressing these issues has become a critical concern. The data is alarming: one in six people experienced a common mental health problem in the past week.
The impact of external factors such as social media, omnipresent in young people’s lives, is particularly concerning.
Recent studies have linked excessive social media use to anxiety, depression, and poor sleep. The implications are clear: children and young people face increasing challenges in maintaining their mental well-being.
In response to these growing concerns, the UK government has taken significant steps to prioritize mental health care for young people and adults. Funding has been allocated, and policies have been crafted to address the mental health needs of the population.
Reading as a Path to Mental Well-being
The study opens up an intriguing conversation about the role of reading in shaping a child’s mental well-being. It emphasizes that reading is not just a fundamental skill; it’s a gateway to nurturing children’s mental health.
The relationship between reading and mental well-being is not merely a correlation, but a causal link.
Children who enjoy reading and maintain positive attitudes toward it tend to have higher mental well-being scores. Conversely, those who do not enjoy reading or hold negative attitudes toward it exhibit lower mental well-being.
The Power of Early Reading Habits
Early intervention is key in shaping children’s mental well-being through reading. The study highlights the critical importance of instilling a love for reading in children from a young age.
It suggests that parents, caregivers, and educators hold the key to nurturing healthier and happier futures for the younger generation.
. The study reveals the mechanisms through which reading and writing positively impact a child’s mental health.
Delving into the neurological, cognitive, and emotional aspects of reading, it explains how the act of reading stimulates various regions of the brain, enhancing cognitive functions such as empathy, perspective-taking, and understanding complex narratives.
The emotional aspect of reading, which includes immersion in stories and identification with characters, is also examined in detail.
Writing as an Emotional Outlet
Writing, too, plays a vital role in nurturing a child’s mental well-being. It is not merely a means of conveying information but also a potent emotional outlet.
The study explores the therapeutic potential of writing, allowing children to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
The study offers profound insights for parents and caregivers on fostering their child’s mental well-being through early reading habits. Reading to children before the age of seven and coaching them on building their vocabulary can set the stage for a lifetime of positive mental health.
Provides practical guidance for parents on how to create a nurturing environment for literacy development at home, the findings of the study emphasizes the importance of reading aloud, engaging in storytelling, and encouraging a love for books.
Educators also have a pivotal role in shaping children’s mental well-being through literacy.
The study by the National Literacy Trust has illuminated a path that underscores the profound connection between early reading habits and children’s mental well-being.
The focus is not merely a matter of reading; it’s a matter of nurturing young minds, building their vocabulary, and fostering a lifelong love for books.
In doing so, the habit empowers people to shape not just educated individuals, but emotionally resilient and mentally well-adjusted citizens.
In a world where mental health issues are on the rise, this research calls upon parents, caregivers, educators, and policymakers to recognize the importance of reading in creating a healthier and happier generation.
P.S: This article was written by both authours.
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