When wondering how students can improve their well-being and academic success, usually we would focus on grades, homework and tests—but we miss the most important tool we already have: reading. Reading has a deeper purpose than just a project in English class; it’s an important skill that helps students in their everyday lives. Because of this, every student at Yutan High School and beyond should be reading not only in class but also making time in their daily routine to read.
Most students don’t actually realize how reading outside class influences their academic success. Research from the National Institute for Literacy says that reading skills are connected to higher academic success across all subjects. As Concordia University points out, reading a history book, following instructions in science or solving a word problem in math are all skills that need the practice of reading. Students who read daily also perform better on standardized tests because they better comprehend instructions and questions. “Reading outside of school, just for fun, it really helps you improve your comprehension and just understanding of what you’re reading, which is also a huge benefit when it comes to school with learning through reading and test taking and understanding what you’re reading,” one Yutan senior said.
Reading also guides students to amplify their vocabulary and improve their writing skills. The more a student is exposed to different words and sentence structures, the more assertive they become when answering homework questions or writing essays. According to the American Psychological Association, students who regularly read develop a profound increase in vocabulary compared to those who do not. Vocabulary isn’t the only benefit of reading, however; it allows students to store important information they wouldn’t have found without picking up a book. “I think that reading also exposes you to a wide variety of general information you might not otherwise find out, including a lot of words and vocabulary that help you improve your general understanding of the world, opens the students to new worlds, builds mental stamina and focus and expands the students’ knowledge and vocabulary, strengthening their overall understanding of the world,” one Yutan teacher said.
Beyond just academics, reading provides benefits that go outside the classroom. Reading can decrease stress, provide an escape from real life and improve focus skills. A research study from Sussex found that reading for a minimum of six minutes a day can decrease stress levels up to 68 percent. With our students always surrounded by phones, screens and social media, reading presents to students a healthy way to relax. “Reading helps me rewind after a long day because it helps me escape into a different world,” one Yutan sophomore said.
Reading also builds empathy and understanding. Research from Science magazine suggests that reading fiction enhances the reader’s ability to understand others’ beliefs and viewpoints. Seeing life from another person’s mind allows the students to better understand people who are different from them. This can lead to a more respectful and better awareness of their peers in school. This new encounter allows students to experience different perspectives in books that teach them about new cultures, situations and ideas without ever stepping outside the classroom.
Despite all the benefits of reading, a large number of students avoid reading unless it’s a required material. Packed schedules, no motivation or the urge to scroll on technology can cause the act of picking up a book to feel like a chore instead of a choice. However, making time for just 10 minutes of reading daily can make a huge impact. From a novel, magazine or comic book, numerous studies such as Pan Macmillan have shown that short daily reading sessions can improve comprehension and focus over time.
Teachers and staff can also push reading by offering more opportunities for choice reading and introducing new library resources, such as lounge chairs. Educational research shows that when students are given an option in what they read, their engagement and enjoyment significantly increase. Reading challenges, book clubs and class discussions can help make reading a more social experience, rather than a personal one. In Yutan, teachers could also implement free reading time during Chieftain Time. This push from teachers and staff can better lead students to a life where reading is enjoyable.
Overall, reading is a skill that helps students create success academically, mentally and emotionally. By inserting reading into our everyday lives, we can improve our learning, better prepare ourselves for the future and reduce stress. Studies consistently illustrate that lifelong readers have a higher chance of succeeding in academics and creating and maintaining good mental well-being. Reading may seem like a small habit, but its impact is great—and it’s something we can all take part in, one chapter at a time.
