Why reading fiction books is essential for students?
It is often believed that children that read fiction are simply entertaining themselves and not gaining any true knowledge. Well, science says otherwise.Reading has often been an integral part of most curriculums as part of the English Language, fostering creativity and imagination. It is those same traits that make people view them inferior to STEM subjects.
Although, there are many benefits of reading fiction. The most significant bane of reading being, the vocabulary that one gains. Studies indicate that, if children are exposed to reading daily from a young age, by the time they are in kindergarten they are introduced to over 290,000 new words. It engages the child with stories and allows them context to the word and its meaning.
This makes it easier for them to use the words correctly and organically in sentences. This allows for better understanding of comprehension, which is essential for higher studies. It is also noticed that reading fiction for prolonged periods of time is advantageous for cognitive function in the brain; more so than reading non-fiction. “Regular reading rigorously augments a range of cognitive functions. It fortifies complex neural networks and escalates brain activity, thereby facilitating quicker learning and more efficient information processing,” says Dr. Jacobs, an experienced psychotherapist.
The most positively affected areas were empathy, communication, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and deduction. Additionally, these extended cognitive processes build the foundation for education and real-life.
Processing information and retrieving its meaning through context allows students to better organise and connect data to deepen their sense of understanding. Strong cognitive function is also linked to better analysis and application as well as problem solving that are key components in higher education as well as real-life situations. Creativity, emotional intelligence and decision making are also sharpened.
Not only that, mental stimulation such as reading is also shown to reduce the risk of memory loss by 32% and suffering Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, most literature dives into various cultures and beliefs that help diversify a child’s understanding of the world. It fosters inclusion and sensitivity creating cosmopolitans. It enables teamwork, required to be successful in most new-age careers. With various stories and experiences, a student’s perception on global and inter-personal issues can be developed.
To continue, students are usually under immense academic and social pressures that cause anxiety, reading is the remedy. Research by the University of Sussex determined that reading for a duration of less than 10 minutes can also reduce anxiety and stress levels up to 68%.
This is why the EduAllReach Programme is elated to announce an upcoming book sale. “The Giving Shelf” will be a second-hand book sale to promote the idea of revival and celebrate the ever-giving nature of the books and the stories they hold. Hence, our theme “the gift that keeps on giving;” since all the proceeds from this book sale will go to fund educational resources for marginalized communities all over the world. Be on the look out for further details.
-Stuti Desai