How does reading increase your ability to learn?

When it comes to reading, some people love it, and others… not so much. This week we will be celebrating World Book Day, an annual charity event that encourages children and young adults to find a book they can enjoy.

So, if you cringe at the thought of reading, or see it as a chore, this blog is for you! We’re going to show you what makes reading so great.

It doesn’t have to be a challenge.

At school reading is mandatory which can put a lot of people off. Having to read about a topic you’re not interested in can seem like a tedious task. And if you’ve ever been asked to read out loud in class, you’ll remember the fear of slipping up in front of everyone. It can be daunting.

Reading shouldn’t just be reserved for homework, treat it as a hobby. You can find books about any topic you like. There are so many genres to choose from, so read things that pique your interest or make you excited. Don’t feel like a book is too ‘young’ for you or too small, it’s meant to be fun! Build up to longer and more complex literature over time, rather than going straight into it.

What are the benefits of reading?

Once you find a book you can get into, you can experience the mental benefits and joys of reading. Settling down with a good book can melt stress away and improve sleep quality. Instead of panicking and trying to grind through the pages, relax. Take it all in at your own pace, it’s not an English exam. With each page turn, you’ll give your eyes a much-needed break from digital screens. 

Reading is also one of the best learning techniques, but here is the beauty of it, you won’t even notice you’re getting smarter! Reading is great for training your mind, improving memory, analytical thinking and improving concentration. You also develop more emotional skills, like empathy and creativity. Stories have the power to put you in the footsteps of someone else and can help you understand their perspective and their life.

So, how does reading help me learn?

• Makes Your Brain Stronger: Reading is like roadwork for your mind. The more you read, the more your brain learns to connect and create new pathways, making it stronger and more efficient.
  
• Boosts Your Knowledge: When you read, you dive deep into a topic, getting more than just surface information. To truly understand a subject, you need to immerse yourself in it. And that’s exactly what reading lets you do.
  
• Improves Your Memory: Remembering things can be tricky, but reading keeps your memory active and engaged. When you read, you’re following the plot and noticing small details. This skill can translate into your everyday life.
  
• Helps You Concentrate: It’s easy to get distracted throughout the day, but every time you sit down and immerse yourself in a book, you learn to focus. This makes it easier for you to stay on task in other areas of your life.
  
• Fuels Your Imagination: Reading inspires you to think outside the box and use your imagination. You can start to look at things from a new perspective, so the more you read, the more creative you become.

It doesn’t come effortlessly for everyone. 

For many neurodivergent people, reading presents hurdles. Take dyslexia, for example – it impacts your ability to read fluently. People with dyslexia often read slowly and make mistakes, which affects how well they comprehend information.

People with ADHD may also struggle with reading. You see, it’s not just about focusing on the book; the tricky part is retaining the information, having to sit still and dealing with distractions – be it wandering thoughts or stuff happening around them. All these factors team up, which can be challenging.

The good news is there’s a variety of strategies and techniques to make the process smoother. It’s about discovering what suits you best; audiobooks might be a more accessible option. You could even try the combination of listening to an audiobookand reading simultaneously. Not only does this aid comprehension, but it also prevents you from mispronouncing the main character’s name in your head for months!

Where will reading take you?

Reading is something we’re very passionate about here at the Future Toolbox. Our aim is to encourage young people and families to read more because it does wonders for your memory, focus, and overall wellbeing.

Over the years we’ve written a variety of books. If you’re on the lookout for something new, take a look at our book collection. Whether you’re looking for self-development tools like journals, sporting stories for football fans or a true-life tale we’ve got something in store for you! 

For more information on this topic

Listen to our ‘R for Reading | The Benefits of a Good Book’ podcast episode

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