Parent’s Corner: The Science Behind the Superpower

Reading isn’t just a hobby—it’s a developmental powerhouse. In an age of scrolling, swiping, and short attention spans, reading remains one of the most impactful habits your child can build.

1. Reading boosts focus and attention span

Children who read for at least 15 minutes a day show improved concentration, reduced restlessness, and better memory retention. Reading forces the mind to slow down, process, and retain—building core cognitive functions.

2. It expands vocabulary & language fluency

According to a study by the University of Oxford, children who read regularly perform better in language subjects and even general exams. Reading introduces kids to new phrases, idioms, sentence structures, and worldviews—making them confident speakers and writers.

3. It builds empathy and emotional intelligence

Stories allow children to step into others' shoes. This emotional engagement sharpens their understanding of diverse perspectives, cultures, and personalities—making them more empathetic and socially aware.

4. Reading reduces screen dependency

Parents often struggle with screen addiction. Reading offers a rewarding and immersive alternative that builds inner imagination, unlike passive screen consumption.

5. It’s a lifelong academic advantage

From learning new concepts faster to understanding instructions clearly, reading builds a knowledge-rich foundation that supports every subject—be it math, science, or social studies.

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Bonus: The Brain on Books

• Children aged 6–15 who read daily develop stronger neural connections in the left temporal cortex (the brain's language center).
  
  

• Reading even 10 minutes daily can lead to a 20% improvement in attention and comprehension scores in just 3 months (Cambridge Study, 2023).
  
  

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Try This at Home!

Parent-Child Reading Bingo:

Make a weekly chart with squares like

• "Read under a blanket."
  
  

• "Read a story with a funny voice."
  
  

• "Read about an animal."
  
  

• "Read before bedtime with a parent."
  
  

Whoever completes the most boxes gets a small treat—like choosing the next bedtime story or movie!

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Aksharshala Recommends:

For Ages 7–10:

• Magic Tree House series
  
  

• Zara’s Time-Traveling Lunchbox
  
  

• A Cloud Called Bhura by Bijal Vachharajani
  
  

For Ages 11–15:

• Percy Jackson series
  
  

• I Am Malala—Young Reader Edition
  
  

• Wings of Fire by APJ Abdul Kalam
  
  

Personal Development