As we head into Children’s Mental Health Week, it is a timely moment to reflect on the benefits of reading. The term ‘Bibliotherapy’ was coined by the American essayist, Samuel Crothers, in 1914 and literally translates as therapeutic value derived from books. Service men, whose minds were shattered by their wartime experiences, were gently coaxed back into the land of the living, and the reading of books from hospital libraries was a fundamental part of the treatment of 26,000 service men wounded between 1915 and 1918.
Now, over a century later, we recognise that reading has a positive impact on the mental health of children. The National Literacy Trust reports that children and young people who like to read are three times more likely to have better mental health than those who do not.
Reading for just 10 minutes a day can have astonishing benefits. Not only is it a great way for children to relax and unwind, reading can also help boost mood, provide an escape from the pressures of life and reduce stress levels. According to research by Dr David Lewis at the University of Sussex, reading for just 6 minutes per day can reduce stress levels by up to 68%. (The same study also ranked reading as a better stress-relieving method than walking, playing video games, listening to music, or drinking a cup of tea!)
We not only have fantastic collections of stories, we also have a number of books in both the Wellbeing Centre and school libraries at Edge Grove that can help children explore a range of specific issues that may impact their mental health and help them navigate emotions that can be hard to deal with. If you would like a reading recommendation for your child, please contact either Sally Sharp or myself and we can suggest some titles for you.
We are delighted to accept a new donation for the main library of Charles Mackesy’s book, The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse from Oliver K (Year 5) and Freddie K (Year 2) in which four unlikely friends share their life lessons, thoughts, feelings and emotions. The book features in this excellent list of books that promote wellbeing from lovereading4kids
https://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/blog/anxiety-wellbeing-80-books-to-help-children-nurture-good-mental-health-6083
National Storytelling Week
Last week, parents and staff from across the school helped Pre-School celebrate National Storytelling Week. Miss Henwood reflects, “It was so wonderful to have so many visitors at the Pre-School last week to read us a story. The children were engrossed in every single one and have already asked this week who is coming in! By reading to the children as much as we can, we are developing their love for reading for now and the future.”
Edge Grove JournalistsDon't forget to check out what our Edge Grove School Journalists have been up to this week here.
