This week the National Literacy Trust released a new research report, Mental wellbeing, reading and writing, which found that children who read and write in their free time have significantly better mental wellbeing than their peers.
The report also showed that children who are the most engaged with reading and writing (i.e. those who enjoy it, do it daily and have positive attitudes towards it) are three times more likely to have higher levels of mental wellbeing than children who don’t.
To celebrate the launch of this new research, the National Literacy Trust and children’s mental health charity, Place2Be, delivered a special whole-school assembly at King William Street School in Swindon on Wednesday 26 August. Pupils learned ways that reading can help them to feel happier and enjoyed a performance from storyteller Cassandra Wye on how reading can benefit your well-being.
All schools in Swindon have access to free wellbeing-inspired teaching resources for primary and secondary schools created by the National Literacy Trust and Place2Be, including book lists and assembly plans.
Anish Harrison, Manager of the National Literacy Trust Hub in Swindon, said: “We’re delighted to mark the launch of this exciting new research with pupils at King William Street School and hope that many more schools across the city will utilise our wellbeing-themed teaching resources. Through the Swindon Stories campaign in partnership with Swindon Borough Council and WHSmith we are running a range of events and activities to inspire more pupils to enjoy reading and writing. This exciting new research shows the important link this has to children’s wellbeing, as well as their success at school.”