1. Reading fiction improves your ability to empathize.

The entire experience of reading fiction puts you, the reader, into someone else’s shoes. Reading fiction gets you emotionally invested in the world the character inhabits. It also exercises a teacher’s ability to empathize and have more success seeing the world from a student’s perspective.

2. Reading improves your prosocial behavior. 

Fictional stories are filled with great role models, and their actions influence and stick with us. Not only does this inspire you to do more helpful and kind things for your students and peers, it also gives you a library of positive role models and examples to share with your class.

3. Reading hones your social skills.  

The journal Science published a study revealing that subjects performed better on tests measuring social perception and emotional intelligence after reading excerpts of literary fiction. Researchers think this is because fiction often “depicts emotional subtleties and nuances, prompting readers to make inferences about the characters.” This skill can then be used in real-life social situations, like during parent-teacher conferences or when deciphering classroom dynamics.

4. Reading enhances Theory of Mind ability

Theory of Mind, a crucial social skill, is the ability to interpret one’s own mental state and that of another and understand that each person has their own unique motives and perspectives. Fictional stories give readers a deep look into others’ thoughts and motives, strengthening Theory of Mind ability every step of the way. Having a greater ability to understand your students’ perspectives and what motivates them gives you greater insight on the most effective way to reach and teach them.

5. Reading grows your vocabulary.  

The website testyourvocab.com analyzed millions of its test takers and determined that reading—especially reading fiction—builds a bigger vocabulary. The results of the study were interesting. “That fiction reading would increase vocabulary size more than just non-fiction was one of our hypotheses—it makes sense, after all, considering that fiction tends to use a greater variety of words than non-fiction does. However, we hadn’t expected its effect to be this prominent.” By growing your own vocabulary, your students will also be learning a wider range of words. Way to be an example! 

6. Reading fiction improves your problem-solving and creative-thinking skills.

Our brains get emotionally invested in the fictional stories we read, almost as if we were living the experience ourselves. And fiction, with its endless scenarios, environments, challenges, characters, and possibilities, repeatedly shows people overcoming hardships and obstacles in everyday and incredible ways.

Reading opens your mind to the idea that anything is possible. And in turn, you pass on that attitude to those around you. It also helps you find out-of-the-box ways of addressing classroom issues, like nonstop flossing (yes, the dance) or a student’s disinterest in algebra.

7. Reading fiction gives your brain a much-needed, almost meditation-like break.

After 180 days of teaching and shaping a room full of kids, every teacher’s brain needs a solid dose of zen. Reach for a good read to find some inner peace.

The New Yorker reports that reading “puts our brains into a pleasurable trance-like state, similar to meditation, and it brings the same health benefits of deep relaxation and inner calm. Regular readers have lower stress levels, higher self-esteem, and lower rates of depression than non-readers.” What teacher couldn’t benefit from all those things?

8. Reading fiction helps you adapt to change and be open to new ideas.

Just think of how many curriculum changes the typical teacher sees, not to mention the number of times a teacher has to switch grade levels or instructional philosophies over time. Best practices in education are fluid, and adapting is a must in teaching. Want to get better at dealing with change? Keep your bookshelves stocked with fiction, a genre that builds stories around change and new approaches.

9. Reading helps you sleep better. 

A good night’s sleep is a dream come true, whether or not school is in session. Catch up on your Zs this summer by snuggling up with a good work of fiction. Research at the University of Sussex demonstrates that reading is an ideal way to overcome stress. During one study, participants’ heart rates slowed, and the tension in their muscles eased by 68 percent within six minutes of silent reading.

Psychologists believe people who read fiction regularly sleep better because their brain stays fixed in the present moment of the story they’re reading and can disengage from life’s stressors. So practice now because you know you’re going to need it when school is back in session. 

10. Fiction readers tend to be happier. 

Quick Reads polled over 4,000 adults and found that those who read at least 30 minutes a week were 20 percent more likely to feel greater life satisfaction and 18 percent were more likely to report high self-esteem. And, as reported by the Harvard Graduate School of Education, there’s a correlation between happiness and academic success among K–12 students. The study found that “students often reported that happiness, or positive feelings, promotes learning.” So, read on and get happy—then watch it spread throughout your classroom.

Reference: https://www.weareteachers.com/reading-fiction-better-teacher/?fbclid=IwAR3BEWASs1aKVEhJya_nF_pbZn7kGMVMWutgNV-YecDHEMkX5OKAm09A6K8

1. Make Read-Alouds Interactive

For kids in early elementary grades, reading aloud is an especially important form of reading practice, though you might have to do a little extra to keep them fully engaged.

“Instead of reading straight through the story, make sure you’re really getting them involved and asking a lot of questions about the story and talking about it after,” says Maya Lê Espiritu, an elementary school teacher in California. (Try these six strategies for improving your child’s reading comprehension.)

Lê Espiritu suggests focusing on a book’s pictures and illustrations and pausing to discuss what kids are seeing, not just hearing. Do this and your kids are more likely to get excited about reading, because it makes them a true participant in the process.

The Word Collector is a charming story about a boy who discovers his love of language by gathering and sharing words. It’s not only a great pick for your shared read-aloud, but will reinforce for your child the power and magic of reading.

2. Read the Same Book As Your Child

If you have a child in third, fourth, or fifth grade, Lê Espiritu recommends reading the same book alongside them.

“A lot of times when kids are told to read, it becomes an isolated incident,” she says. Reading the same book alongside your child transforms reading time into a social activity and allows meaningful discussion and conversation to develop organically. 

Plus, if you’re reading the same book, you won’t have to ask basic questions about plot and setting — instead, you can kick the conversation off by sharing your thoughts and feelings about the book, which will inspire your kids to do the same and think critically about what they’re reading. 

Reading the heartwarming best-seller Wonder with your child is a way to get them in a reading groove while inspiring important conversations about acceptance, tolerance, and bullying.

3. Leave Book Selection up to Your Child

Lê Espiritu recommends giving children the freedom to pick out the books they want to read.

“It’s really fun for them to be able to choose,” she says. “They feel like they have more control and participation in it that way.” 

Almost 90 percent of children say they love the books they choose, according to the Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report. When kids enjoy what they read, they’re more likely to remember details of the story and increase their reading frequency. 

Zen Shortswill open your child’s eyes to a new way of seeing the world. This quietly impactful book, now a streaming series on Netflix, follows a panda in nature as he shares lessons of mindfulness, love, and enlightenment. It’s a great pick for inspiring meaningful conversations.

4. Re-read Your Child’s Favorites 

For younger readers especially, re-reading books is important for reading development. “Every time you read a book, there is something new to notice or point out,” says Lê Espiritu. “Kids establish a connection and a familiarity with it, which really increases comprehension.” 

So even if you’ve read a book to your child more times than you can count, don’t be afraid to pick it up again and find a cozy place to read it aloud. Before you know it, they’ll be noticing details that lead them to topic-adjacent titles!

Where the Wild Things Are isn’t just a favorite of kids. Parents love reading about Max’s wild adventure over and over again, too. In fact, it may have been your go-to book in childhood. (Here are more timeless picture books you can revisit with your child.)  

5. Combine Reading With Learning Activities

One of the most effective ways to get kids back on track with reading is to go beyond the book with fun activities, craft projects, or special outings.

“When reading integrates into your life, it’s impactful,” says Lê Espiritu. 

For instance, if your child is reading an outdoor-adventure book, take a hike together to see what you can find in nature and make connections to the text. For younger readers, help them pick out a popular picture book, and then look online for a craft project or hands-on activity you know that celebrates a beloved character or setting.

The beautiful photos and clever riddles in I SPY Year–Round Challenger! are the perfect warm-up for a real-world I Spy game outside of the house. After reading, bring this book to life by strolling over to your child’s favorite park, the nearest trail, or just around your neighborhood and take turns spotting items.

Get ready for your child to go back to school with our guide — it’s full of recommended books, teacher tips, homework help, and more resources for a successful school year. Plus, take a look at a list of books by grade level and tips to practice reading out loud. 

Reference: https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/reading-practice.html?fbclid=IwAR0vD7lOrL_zwwMpmYK7i91NcY_du-SaLdwwR9tCEGCpde17CBuDkMedJVk

Brené Brown studies human connection — our ability to empathize, belong, love. In a poignant, funny talk, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity. A talk to share.