The habit of reading has been linked to improved brain function and intelligence in children by many researchers. Here is how reading helps to boost the intelligence of children.The habit of reading is unfortunately on its way of extinction particularly in the case of kids. Children nowadays are so addicted to the glamorised and vapid world of television and the Internet that they have almost forgotten the pleasure of holding a book in the hand. Reading can improve the mind in myriad ways and as a parent if you understand the link between reading, brain function and intelligence you will find it easier to motivate your child. In this articleReading Aids the Development of Brain CellsFluid Intelligence and Crystallised IntelligenceReading and Emotional IntelligenceTwins Early Developmental Study ResultsInculcating the Habit of ReadingReading Aids the Development of Brain CellsDevelopment of the reading habit since childhood has been seen to affect the brain development in positive ways. Exposure to different letters, colours and images helps in the absorption of knowledge. Neuroscientists have established that 90% of brain development happens by the age of 5 and this is why the habit of reading should be inculcated early in childhood.Fluid Intelligence and Crystallised IntelligenceOver a number of years psychiatrists have been working on the concept of intelligence and have divided it into two major categories; fluid intelligence and crystallised intelligence. Fluid intelligence is linked to the problem interpreting skills and the crystallised intelligence is the skill of garnering and accumulating new information. It has been seen that crystallised intelligence improves with regular reading. Crystallised intelligence is an important indicator of IQ.Reading and Emotional IntelligenceEmotional Intelligence is the process of accurately interpreting and responding to the communication of others. Since reading is a solitary act it is difficult to understand why and how it can affect emotional intelligence. However, the October edition of the internationally acclaimed journal of science proved that reading good quality literary fiction can actually improve the TOM scores (theory of mind) score, TOM is an important indicator of emotional intelligence.Some examples of great literary fiction are “Chameleon” by Chekhov and “Tiger’s Wife” by Tea Obreht. It has also been established that the quality of fiction in this case matters a lot; pulp fiction and popular fiction is not linked with improvement of emotional IQ.Twins Early Developmental Study ResultsThe Twins Early Developmental Study was an important landmark in the field of study of IQ and reading. This long running test involved 1890 pairs of identical twins who were an essential part of the Twins Developmental study group. These twins were considered to be representatives of the whole population. Their scores in reading tests and IQ tests were closely monitored from the ages of 7 to 16 at the gap of two years. Statistical models were used to keep track of the differences in IQ.Twins were chosen for this study as they shared common home environment and genes. Therefore any difference in intelligence could be attributed to external source of knowledge like reading. Researchers established that reading habits influenced not only the development of verbal and communicative intelligence but also helped boost non verbal skills.Inculcating the Habit of ReadingThe best time to start off on the path of development of the reading habit is now!! The sooner your child gets absorbed into the exciting world of books the stronger the effect on IQ. As a parent you can help in developing the reading habit by choosing to read together with your kid. A shared activity will lure your kid into reading and understanding the meaning behind those words. With time your kid will develop an organic appetite for books and will grow up into a more intelligent and expressive adult.Now that you know all about the several benefits of reading and the link between reading and intelligence do help your child develop this habit at the earliest.Why is it important to inculcate the habit of reading in children? How to cultivate the habit of reading in kids? What to do if children do not show interest in kids? Discuss here.
The habit of reading has been linked to improved brain function and intelligence in children by many researchers. Here is how reading helps to boost the intelligence of children.The habit of reading is unfortunately on its way of extinction particularly in the case of kids. Children nowadays are so addicted to the glamorised and vapid world of television and the Internet that they have almost forgotten the pleasure of holding a book in the hand.
Reading can improve the mind in myriad ways and as a parent if you understand the link between reading, brain function and intelligence you will find it easier to motivate your child.
Reading Aids the Development of Brain Cells
Development of the
reading habit since childhood has been seen to affect the brain development in positive ways. Exposure to different letters, colours and images helps in the absorption of knowledge. Neuroscientists have established that 90% of
brain development happens by the age of 5 and this is why the habit of reading should be inculcated early in childhood.
Fluid Intelligence and Crystallised Intelligence
Over a number of years psychiatrists have been working on the concept of intelligence and have divided it into two major categories; fluid intelligence and crystallised intelligence. Fluid intelligence is linked to the problem interpreting skills and the crystallised intelligence is the skill of garnering and accumulating new information. It has been seen that crystallised intelligence improves with regular reading. Crystallised intelligence is an important indicator of
IQ.
Reading and Emotional Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence is the process of accurately interpreting and responding to the communication of others. Since reading is a solitary act it is difficult to understand why and how it can affect emotional intelligence. However, the October edition of the internationally acclaimed journal of science proved that reading good quality literary fiction can actually improve the TOM scores (theory of mind) score, TOM is an important indicator of emotional
intelligence.
Some examples of great literary fiction are “Chameleon” by Chekhov and “Tiger’s Wife” by Tea Obreht. It has also been established that the quality of fiction in this case matters a lot; pulp fiction and popular fiction is not linked with improvement of emotional IQ.
Twins Early Developmental Study Results
The Twins Early Developmental Study was an important landmark in the field of study of IQ and reading. This long running test involved 1890 pairs of identical twins who were an essential part of the Twins Developmental study group. These twins were considered to be representatives of the whole population. Their scores in reading tests and IQ tests were closely monitored from the ages of 7 to 16 at the gap of two years. Statistical models were used to keep track of the differences in IQ.
Twins were chosen for this study as they shared common home environment and genes. Therefore any difference in intelligence could be attributed to external source of knowledge like reading. Researchers established that reading habits influenced not only the development of verbal and communicative intelligence but also helped boost non verbal skills.
Inculcating the Habit of Reading
The best time to start off on the path of development of the reading habit is now!! The sooner your child gets absorbed into the exciting world of books the stronger the effect on IQ. As a parent you can help in developing the reading habit by choosing to read together with your kid. A shared activity will lure your kid into reading and understanding the meaning behind those words. With time your kid will develop an organic appetite for books and will grow up into a more intelligent and expressive adult.
Now that you know all about the several benefits of reading and the link between reading and intelligence do help your child develop this habit at the earliest.
Why is it important to inculcate the habit of reading in children? How to cultivate the habit of reading in kids? What to do if children do not show interest in kids? Discuss here. 
