As the command center for learning, our brains are responsible for various tasks, including processing and coordinating complex information. Reading has been found to change the brain structure by forming neural pathways that stimulate learning.
There is a strong link between reading and brain function, including benefits such as mental stimulation, vocabulary expansion, emotional intelligence, creativity, strong literacy skills, and comprehension.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the relationship between reading and brain function to learn more about the impact reading has on the brain.
Mental Stimulation
When students read, they are able to form visual representations of the words on the pages. The occipital lobe, which is the area of the brain that processes visual information, lights up during these visual exercises and is stimulated during reading activities. As students read and interact with the information in books, their brains receive meaningful stimulation, which can also improve their ability to memorize information. Reading is a simple, fun, and engaging activity that can activate the brain in powerful ways.
Vocabulary Expansion
Books are full of new words and rich vocabulary that broaden students’ word banks. Reading provides the opportunity to learn new vocabulary in the context of engaging stories, making it easier for students to grasp and apply in their own speaking and writing. As readers encounter and learn new words, they help strengthen the brain’s memory pathways associated with vocabulary retention.
Emotional Intelligence
The default mode network (DMN) is the part of our brain that allows us to understand ourselves and others. Reading has been shown to engage this part of the brain, helping to shape and develop emotional intelligence. Through reading, students are able to engage in neurological mirroring, forming the foundation for building empathy as they learn about other people’s experiences. Exposure to different perspectives, viewpoints, and mental states allows readers to develop social awareness, fostering their ability to connect with others and develop an appreciation for diversity.
Creativity and Imagination
When our brains are mentally engaged, they stay sharp, active, and creative. Reading is a great way to stimulate the creativity and imagination of the brain. By bringing words to life in mental pictures and scenarios, readers fuel their creative juices and expand the possibilities of their own lives. From unique characters, descriptive settings, and new places, reading can spur the imagination and expression of new thoughts and ideas. It can lead young readers to both recreating old stories and writing new ones.
Strong Literacy Skills
Literacy includes reading and writing competency and is greatly impacted by reading. As students read, they learn new vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and more. Students who read regularly tend to have higher academic scores and greater content knowledge than their peers. Many of the skills learned through reading can be applied to other areas of learning, significantly impacting literacy and student success.
Comprehension
Among several other functions, the brain’s frontal lobe handles comprehension, enabling readers to understand simple and complex grammar. By reading regularly, students improve their comprehension by getting better at understanding the context in which words are used. Reading can pique curiosity and call for clarification, both of which lead readers to ask questions and make sense of the material, further improving reading comprehension. By reading aloud, children can further cement their understanding, as doing so makes ideas more accessible and relatable.
Among many skills and strategies, reading can help develop brain function by providing it with meaningful activity. From mental stimulation, vocabulary expansion, emotional intelligence, creativity, strong literacy skills, and comprehension, reading has an incredible impact on the brain and ability to learn. It is never too early or too late to begin reading and developing these critical skills.