How Much Reading Per Day Is Ideal for Your Brain?
Reading is “brain food”. Our brains develop as we “feed” them with experiences. . The ideal is a regular, consistent and daily reading, regardless of the amount.
There are many benefits to reading regularly.
The experience of reading (whether you’re the readeror the one being read to) activates and “exercises” many of the areas of the brain. The visual cortex works asyour eyes track the words on the page and look at the illustrations. Your memory makes connections betweenwhat you already know about the topic of the story and its content. You integrate new information learnedthrough reading further strengthening and growing your network of knowledge. Reading provides one of themost enriching and complex brain activities available in life
Find out what they are!
Reading for pleasure has been shown to improve memory, concentration, and attention span. It also helps people learn new skills and develop new interests.
How much do you read?
When is the last time you read (on your own) an entire book? Short story? News article?
Even though you already know HOW to read, you still need to improve…like any skill, there are levels of proficiency (like sports)
Is where learning takes place
5 Steps to Read a Textbook or Point-of-View Nonfiction
Pre-read with them for reflection
Preview readings
Review purpose for reading: study questions or problems
Read with purpose for answers, solutions
Review readings
Fluent Readers:
Read for pleasure and interest with understanding
Use a variety of methods to identify words and meaning (phonic, graphic, contextual)
Read a good range of texts, making predictions and commenting on information
Relate the meaning to their own experiences and knowledge
Benefits to reading regularly.
Boosts Memory.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that adults who read at least one book per week had better cognitive function than those who didn’t read at all. Another study showed that older adults who read more were less likely to suffer from dementia.
Improves Focus.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), people who read daily have better focus and memory than those who do not. This is because reading stimulates brain activity and improves blood flow to the brain. It also helps with concentration and attention span.
Makes You Smarter.
In addition to improving your focus and memory, reading has other benefits. It can help you learn new things, improve your vocabulary, and even make you smarter.
