Reading boosts intelligence
A 2014 study titled “Does Learning to Read Improve Intelligence?”, was conducted by researchers from the University of Edinburgh and King’s College London.
Led by Dr. Stuart J. Ritchie, the research followed 1,890 pairs of identical twins from ages 7 to 16. By using identical twins, the scientists were able to isolate the effects of reading from genetic factors and shared home environments.
Key Findings of the Study:
Reading as a Predictor: Early reading ability at age 7 was a reliable predictor of later intelligence. The twin with the better reading skills typically scored higher on subsequent IQ tests than their sibling.
Beyond Verbal Intelligence: Stronger reading skills were linked not only to improved vocabulary and general knowledge but also to better nonverbal intelligence, such as reasoning and abstract thinking.
Causal Implications: The researchers suggested that reading may have a causal effect on intelligence. They hypothesized that reading trains children to use abstract thinking as they imagine people, places, and complex scenarios, which assists in general problem-solving.
Long-Term Impact: These intellectual differences remained present throughout the children’s development up to age 16, reinforcing the idea that early literacy interventions can have lifelong cognitive benefits.
“If, as our results imply, reading causally influences intelligence, the implications for educators are clear,” says study leader Stuart J. Ritchie, of the University of Edinburgh in the U.K.
“Children who don’t receive enough assistance in learning to read may also be missing out on the important, intelligence-boosting properties of literacy.”
Source: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/cdev.12272
Reading Kingdom is an online K-3 reading program that uses a new “phonics-plus” model to teach students to read and write at a 3rd grade level with comprehension. Sign up for a complimentary Reading Kingdom trial (or any of our other products) here.
We also have a program for students on the autism spectrum and others who face unique learning challenges called ASD Reading. Sign up for a complimentary trial of ASD Reading.
State & Charter school funding is available! Look for your program and begin using your education funds today!
Want to help a child in need learn to read? Try shopping at our Amazon affiliate store where a portion of every sale goes towards teaching kids the life-changing skill of reading.
