Behaviour Focus
Behaviour Focus
The Power of Routines: Supporting Wellbeing Through Reading
At Boorowa Central School, our behaviour focus for the past week has been on the importance of procedures and routines. Establishing consistent routines at home not only supports positive behaviour but also promotes emotional wellbeing. One powerful routine to consider is setting aside time for reading.
Research shows that regular reading can significantly reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and even lower anxiety levels in children. By making reading a calming daily habit, parents can help reinforce the positive routines we’re encouraging at school, supporting their child’s learning and overall wellbeing.
Read on to learn more about how you can use reading routines to strengthen your child’s emotional health and build a love for learning
The Link Between Reading Difficulties and Anxiety in Children
A new study by the Black Dog Institute and Macquarie University has found a link between struggles with learning to read and anxiety in children. The research, conducted with 284 children aged 7–12 from schools in New South Wales, showed that reading difficulties can be connected to social anxiety. However, more research is needed to fully understand this relationship.
This finding highlights the importance of supporting children as they learn to read, not only for their academic success but also for their emotional wellbeing.
Reading Aloud Reduces Stress
Another study by Mindlab International at the University of Sussex revealed that reading books aloud is an effective way to reduce stress. In the study, people’s stress levels dropped by 68% after just six minutes of reading aloud – a more significant effect than listening to music (61%) or taking a walk (42%). The longer they read aloud, the more relaxed they felt.
Why Reading Together Matters
Reading together as a family isn’t just about enjoying a good story. It also:
- Builds Strong Bonds: Sharing stories strengthens family connections and encourages open communication.
- Promotes Emotional Wellbeing: The routine of reading together creates a comforting, safe space that helps reduce anxiety.
- Nurtures Empathy and Understanding: Exploring diverse characters and stories helps children understand different perspectives.
- Supports Learning and Growth: Reading aloud enriches vocabulary and encourages a lifelong love of learning.
Make Reading a Special Time
By building a routine around reading at home, parents can reinforce the importance of consistency and structure, supporting the positive habits we’re encouraging at school. This simple daily practice not only nurtures a love for learning but also strengthens emotional resilience and overall wellbeing.