Reading

"A reader lives a thousand lives..."

(George R. R. Martin, American Novelist)

A good novel stimulates mental processes, enhancing cognitive functions like critical thinking. It also helps improve memory and concentration, as we keep in mind characters, plots, and the intricate context of the story. Furthermore, reading can reduce stress and promote relaxation, making for an excellent way to unwind while giving your brain the perfect workout.

Activities

Use the table below to generate your reading score.

If you're going a form group activity, raise your hand for each category so that your tutor can create a total

(E.g. If 5 students read for pleasure regularly, 5x4 = 20 points...)

For a Y7-11 Form group of around 30 students, a score below 100 is a concern!

For a Y12-13 Form group of around 20 students, a score below 70 is a concern!

Discussion:

Do the results of the class tally above surprise you?
How have your reading habits changed over time?
What kind of things would you like to read if you could make time?
Who do you think reads more on average, Y7 or Y13 students? Why?
What one simple thing could you do to improve how much you read?

Extension

Watch the quick clip here: 8 Science-Backed Benefits of Reading a (Real) Book (realsimple.com)

Which of these 8 benefits would you say are the highest priority to you and why?