Today, the UK company Renaissance Learning released the news that children are reading books which are quite challenging for their age group. The study looked at the reading habits of more than 400,000 children in 2,000 primary and secondary schools in the UK. Children were asked to vote for their favorites.
Professor Keith Topping, from Dundee University claimed that just as films might attract children to reading books, the reverse was equally likely. A child might be drawn to seeing a film if they had enjoyed a book. The reciprocal relationship could actually help turn reluctant readers around.
Professor Keith Topping, from Dundee University claimed that just as films might attract children to reading books, the reverse was equally likely. A child might be drawn to seeing a film if they had enjoyed a book. The reciprocal relationship could actually help turn reluctant readers around.
Harry Potter author JK Rowling topped the list of children's favorite books which is dominated by titles which have been made in to films. The Potter series has a reading age of 11-12, but is popular among children as young as six.
This suggests that films, computer games, and branded products linked with books, might be boosting literacy. Children's imagination is stimulated enough to read highly-motivating books well beyond the comfort zone of their age.
Now to the science bit about adults. Reading a book can improve anyone's brain function for up to five days. Researchers from Emory University in Atlanta, US, found reading a novel causes changes in the resting-state of the brain.
This suggests that films, computer games, and branded products linked with books, might be boosting literacy. Children's imagination is stimulated enough to read highly-motivating books well beyond the comfort zone of their age.
Now to the science bit about adults. Reading a book can improve anyone's brain function for up to five days. Researchers from Emory University in Atlanta, US, found reading a novel causes changes in the resting-state of the brain.
The result of testing with functional magnetic resonance imaging scanners showed heightened connectivity in the left temporal cortex, an area of the brain associated with receptivity for language, and the primary sensory motor region.
Neurons housed in this region have been associated with grounded cognition, when the mind is tricked into thinking it is taking action.
As an example, thinking about running can activate the neurons linked to the physical act itself.
Put another way, when you read a novel, you can be transported into the body of the character in the plot. It's happening biologically.
The study, published in the journal Brain Connectivity, focused on 21 students who were each asked to read the same book, 2003 thriller Pompeii by Robert Harris. The students read a portion of the book every evening for 19 days. Scans were taken the following morning. Once they had finished the novel, their brains were scanned for five days after, during which the changes continued.
Neurons housed in this region have been associated with grounded cognition, when the mind is tricked into thinking it is taking action.
As an example, thinking about running can activate the neurons linked to the physical act itself.
Put another way, when you read a novel, you can be transported into the body of the character in the plot. It's happening biologically.
The study, published in the journal Brain Connectivity, focused on 21 students who were each asked to read the same book, 2003 thriller Pompeii by Robert Harris. The students read a portion of the book every evening for 19 days. Scans were taken the following morning. Once they had finished the novel, their brains were scanned for five days after, during which the changes continued.
That's staggering. Reading not only entertains a person, it improves every aspect of their life. Indeed, stories shape our lives and in some cases help define a person.
Let me remind you, my novel Tidal Surge goes on sale for the weekend at just 99c.
Seventeen authors from Solstice Publishing have banded together to offer a wide assortment of genres at a reduced price.
I'll give you the links to the books tomorrow. Prepare to be transported to another realm.
Let me remind you, my novel Tidal Surge goes on sale for the weekend at just 99c.
Seventeen authors from Solstice Publishing have banded together to offer a wide assortment of genres at a reduced price.
I'll give you the links to the books tomorrow. Prepare to be transported to another realm.
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