Reading for Life: The Impact of Child Literacy on Health Outcomes
By Eric Steckel | August 10, 2023
Literacy plays a crucial role in shaping physical and mental health
Childhood literacy is not just about learning to read; it is a critical aspect of a child’s overall development that extends far beyond the realm of elementary education.
Childhood literacy is not just about learning to read; it is a critical aspect of a child’s overall development that extends far beyond the realm of elementary education.
Children proficient in reading by the end of third grade are more likely to achieve higher educational outcomes, setting them up for success in adulthood. However, childhood literacy goes far beyond academic achievements and plays a crucial role in shaping an individual’s physical and mental health throughout life. It is a critical component of the “rising” in programs like Succeeding by Reading.
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Will you complete HER Circle of Care?
Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.
A panel discussion hosted by The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading focused on a recent study released by the Yale Child Study Center–Scholastic Collaborative for Child & Family Resilience titled “Reading for Life: The Impact of Child Literacy on Health Outcomes.” The panel shed light on the profound and lifelong positive physical and mental health outcomes associated with childhood literacy.
Literacy and Physical Health
Studies reveal a significant connection between literacy and physical health, positively impacting our overall well-being. Just 30 minutes of reading a day can lead to measurable improvements in physical health, including reductions in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate. This finding suggests that engaging in reading regularly may not only enrich our minds but also contribute to a healthier body.
“Childhood literacy goes far beyond academic achievements and plays a crucial role in shaping an individual’s physical and mental health throughout life.”
Linda Mayes, a professor at the Yale Child Study Center, emphasized that individuals with higher reading skills are likelier to experience better health outcomes, regardless of whether they hold a high school degree. On the other hand, lower literacy rates during high school have been associated with long-term health issues, including aggressive behaviors, substance use, and sexually transmitted infections, that can set individuals on a chronic poor health trajectory during adolescence and adulthood.
Pediatricians increasingly recognize the significant impact of literacy on overall health. By integrating literacy assessments into health screenings, they are treating literacy as a preventative measure.
Lee Beers, professor of pediatrics and child health advocate at Children’s National Hospital, explained the importance of health literacy, particularly as children grow into adolescents and adults. Literacy plays a crucial role in helping individuals understand their health and healthcare needs throughout their lives. This understanding is vital for making informed decisions about their well-being and engaging effectively with healthcare providers.
Pediatricians increasingly recognize the significant impact of literacy on overall health. By integrating literacy assessments into health screenings, they are treating literacy as a preventative measure. Identifying potential literacy challenges at an early stage allows for timely intervention, collaboration with schools, and addressing any barriers that might hinder a child’s learning journey.
Understanding how health-related issues impact literacy
Conversely, Ms. Beers shed light on the link between physical disconnectedness due to health risks and its impact on mental health. Frequently, pediatricians focus on treating children for illness or physical conditions. However, it’s critical to understand how the treatment impacts the child’s education and learning capability.
Ms. Mayes cited the example of childhood asthma. Suppose the child misses one-third of class days due to asthma-related issues and treatment that impacts their learning ability. Missing learning opportunities and lagging will affect the child’s long-term health. More and more, pediatricians are better able to take these considerations into account when treating a child.
The Pandemic, Mental Health, and Bibliotherapy
Recently, mental health issues have become a pressing concern, with loneliness and feelings of disconnectedness on the rise. Children struggling with reading frequently face higher rates of anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, 80% of kids with mental health needs do not have access to proper care. Bibliotherapy, the use of literature and books to address mental health issues, has emerged as a powerful alternative intervention.
“Implementing bibliotherapy may be as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy for children who have anxiety disorders.”—Linda Mayes, professor at the Yale Child Study Center
Ms. Mayes pointed out, “Implementing bibliotherapy may be as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy for children who have anxiety disorders.” Since access to mental health care remains limited for many children, integrating literacy as a part of health care becomes essential.
Social-emotional learning, literacy, and mental health
Social-emotional learning plays a pivotal role in the relationship between literacy and mental health. David Adams, CEO of Urban Assembly, pointed out that the development of social-emotional skills is closely tied to language development. In classroom settings, teachers who provide high amounts of emotional support, display sensitivity to students’ cues, and cater to their individual needs in the moment, create an environment conducive to learning and growth. Children with higher rates of reading difficulties benefit significantly from this support, as it contributes to their overall literacy development.
By embracing literacy and social-emotional learning, we create spaces and relationships where children can thrive mentally, emotionally, and academically.
As we recognize the relationship between literacy and mental health, it becomes clear that promoting literacy goes beyond academic achievements. It becomes a vital component of fostering well-rounded individuals with strong social and emotional foundations. By embracing literacy and social-emotional learning, we create spaces and relationships where children can thrive mentally, emotionally, and academically.
Empowering Vulnerable Families and Improving Parenting Skills
Empowering vulnerable families and improving parenting skills are essential components of fostering childhood literacy. It is crucial to recognize parents as individuals developing their parenting abilities. Forming a partnership with them is critical in understanding their needs and providing effective support.
Programs like Children Rising’s Succeeding by Reading and FamilyBridge play a crucial role in promoting childhood literacy and overall well-being, bridging the gap between education, health, and communities.
“Parents are developing as parents just as their children are developing as human beings,” Ms. Mayes said. “Ask a parent, ‘What kind of parent would you like to be? What would you like to do with your child? Who do you want to be as you develop as a parent.’ Once you get that, what you hear, is what they want and what they feel they need help with.” It is another instance where the relationship is critical.
Programs like Children Rising’s Succeeding by Reading and FamilyBridge play a crucial role in promoting childhood literacy and overall well-being, bridging the gap between education, health, and communities.“The importance of providing parents and caregivers the time and space to enhance and build their skills has been a focus of FamilyBridge since the beginning. Parent Enrichment Workshops and Skill Building Classes will be a priority moving forward,” said Tai Dillard, FamilyBridge program director.
By recognizing the value of literacy as an integral part of a child’s health, we can create a brighter future for the next generation.
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