Consistently reading fiction books boosts grades almost magically, which translates into improved performance across all classes. Here’s why:

Reading Fiction Boosts Grades

We’re welcoming a new return to school. But, a fun year filled with possibility drags along with it dismal student reading news. Scores for reading across all grades, (K-12) continue to fall. We can partly blame the pandemic which, according to the New York Times, helped erase two decades worth of progress in reading.

Honestly, the rate of fiction literacy and reading had been declining steadily even before the pandemic. Student reading scores show a 7-point decrease compared to ten years ago, which is significant since they’re supposed to be increasing.

But is this really a big deal? Well, yes. In fact, it’s a huge deal.

As a teacher, I noticed a strong and consistent connection between fiction reading and grades. In other words, students who read fiction books for fun outside of the classroom tended to do better work inside the classroom. And it wasn’t just English class either. These students were usually stronger performers in math, science, and history as well.

Why? Oh, for so many reasons. Lucky for you, I’ve listed below all the ways that reading fiction boosts grades and improves academic performance. Just so you won’t have to wonder.

Reading Fiction Boosts Grades By:

Reading Fiction Boosts Grades

1. Developing sustained attention

Reading a book requires maintaining focus over longer periods. Most non-readers lack this key skill and struggle to complete activities requiring sustained attention. Luckily, this is a skill anyone can learn. Reading longer fiction text counteracts the brain’s habit of receiving information in short bursts, (social media anyone?). Students who read fiction for fun have learned how to make reading most comfortable for themselves. They’ve also come up with strategies to sustain their focus and concentration. So, when it comes to reading longer texts for school, they don’t feel overwhelmed, which definitely can boost grades.

2. Increasing comprehension of any kind of text

Reading fiction for fun helps build a stronger understanding of how language works and strengthens vocabulary skills. So, it makes sense that when book-reading students are faced with a complex non-fiction text for science, say, they don’t feel confused by the formal sentence structure or unfamiliar language. These students feel more confident making vocabulary connections from context clues and other familiar words, without having to look a word up. This translates easily to any kind of text -fiction or non-fiction. As a result, fiction readers have an easier time reading and processing information from different text forms. All this means it’s time to buy your child that book they’ve been nagging you for.

3. Improving critical thinking skills

The very reason we send our children to school is so they can develop these all-important critical thinking skills. But what, exactly, are they? Put simply, it’s the ability to conceptualize abstract ideas and evaluate information by applying logic and reasoning skills. It isn’t something we’re born with. It’s something we learn. Students who read are actively making mental predictions and connecting plot events to figure out how the story will turn out. That builds critical thinking. A 2012 study showed that voluntary fiction reading had a positive effect on critical thinking and grades. In other words, if your child has improved critical thinking, then they can learn better. And that translates into a nice boost in grades.

4. Improves creativity and imagination

It’s probably not a huge surprise that reading fiction sparks imagination and creativity. But, what may be a surprise is why it matters. A creative brain is a brain that works in story mode. And, according to Angus Fletcher, a story scientist, “Stories activate anything your brain can do.” Our brain absorbs and understands information through stories or narratives. Reading narrative fiction unlocks that part of the brain that takes information and turns it into a story that the brain can understand. And once the brain has created the learning narrative, it’s locked in, making it easier to remember. When children understand and remember the stuff they learn, their grades improve.

5. Increases knowledge and mental connections

A good story usually has a complicated plot and plenty of information. A child who hates reading their science textbook might refuse to put down a sci-fi novel with intricate details about human biology or chemical reactions. Likewise, a history hater might spend their free time reading a historical fiction thriller. The point is, that stories use real-life elements and information that sparks a child’s interest. When they’re exposed to related information in school, they now have a knowledge base to draw from and the natural curiosity with which to make connections. Aaand, boom. Improved grades.

6. Improves language skills and expression

We all like this one because communication and expression are key to being human. But effective communication is something most people have to learn. The great news is that reading for fun not only expands vocabulary but also improves written and oral expression. How, you ask? Books are full of dialogue, conflict, and character interactions. These characters have misunderstandings and problems. So, they usually have to work these out using their words (see where I’m going with this?). The processing of conflict/resolution through language fires up the creative centers in the brain, and transfers to real life.

Even better, since most novels are written with correct grammar and punctuation, guess what else readers learn? Yup. Regular book readers have a better sense of sentence structure and sentence complexity. And, are less likely to make mistakes in their writing. All that means less red ink on your child’s essay. Which means a happier child and better grades.

Learn how to write a perfect paragraph!

Now, take your child (or yourself) to the library!

There you have it. Six compelling reasons why reading books and novels is not just an optional pastime. It’s a potent tool for your child’s (and your!) brain development, and it can grow their academic excellence. From sustained attention to creative thinking, reading books for fun can have a positive effect in and out of school.

So, the next time your child says they hate reading, I beg you, please help them find a book they love – it could change their life.