Discuss: Growing Up Surrounded by Books Could Have Powerful, Lasting Effect on the Mind

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*, Bad Girls Deadlift]

Article: Growing Up Surrounded by Books Could Have Powerful, Lasting Effect on the Mind
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-...

Research has already suggested that opening a book may help improve brain function, reduce stress, and even make us more empathetic. Now, a team led by Joanna Sikora of the Australian National University is looking into the benefits of growing up around a book-filled environment; as Alison Flood of the Guardian reports, the researchers’ expansive new study suggests that homes with ample libraries can arm children with skills that persist into adulthood.

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The effects were most marked when it came to literacy. Growing up with few books in the home resulted in below average literacy levels. Being surrounded by 80 books boosted the levels to average, and literacy continued to improve until libraries reached about 350 books, at which point the literacy rates leveled off. The researchers observed similar trends when it came to numeracy; the effects were not as pronounced with information communication technology tests, but skills did improve with increased numbers of books.

So, what are the implications of the new study? Take, for instance, adults who grew up with hardly any books in the home, but went on to obtain a university degree in comparison to an adult who grew up with a large home library, but only had nine years of schooling. The study found that both of their literacy levels were roughly average. “So, literacy-wise, bookish adolescence makes up for a good deal of educational advantage,” the study authors write.

I wonder how this will translate into the future with so many of our books in ebook format?

I also wonder how this relates to families with few books in the home but regular trips to the library (I'm thinking 1+ trips a week). I don't recall having more than about 30-100 books in the home at any one time when I was very young BUT I went to the library 1-3 times per week (not including school libraries).

Currently, I own roughly 368 paperbacks and 219 hardcovers. I own 400+ ebooks that I have cataloged but I'm sure I own many, many more than that. SABLE

[Soo]

I am a firm believer that if you encourage curiosity & creativity, a whole lot of great things are made more possible. That said, the research should take into account libraries. I don't see how having a physical book present would be the deciding factor.

I would imagine that an electronic library should count as part of the home library. It would be weird if it's not.

I have a physical library of a few thousand books and a heck of a lot more than that in my elibrary (ebooks & audiobooks).

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*, Bad Girls Deadlift]

Soo wrote: "I am a firm believer that if you encourage curiosity & creativity, a whole lot of great things are made more possible. That said, the research should take into account libraries. I don't see how ha..."

I think ebooks should count as part of a library...

...but I also admin they are awfully easy to hide. Out of sight, out of mind - you know. They are easy to read and transport but as they are not displayed, I find them easy to ignore and/or forget. I could see that as an obstacle when it comes to kids.

[Soo]

Yah, I was thinking about that too.

I don't know if parents buy encyclopedias anymore. English is technically my second language. My parents bought the children's & regular encyclopedia sets when I was a kid and I read them.

Pricing is eschewed on books. Kid books cost a lot and they're only good up to a point. Whereas I still read fairy tales, folklore, mythologies and etc.

I was the only person in my family that loved reading when I was a kid. I relied on the public school library & regular library. Back then, I could get 15-20 books at a time. I was able to do a trip every two weeks or so? Hm. I can't remember. I know I had to get rides before I got my license. My first books were bought via the Scholastic catalogue in elementary school. Later, I saved up and bought books at K-mart/Walmart, grocery stores & bookstores. Some at yard sales.

I'm lucky for the teachers and friends I had as a kid. They definitely helped to broaden my curiosity & interests.

[MrsJoseph *grouchy*, Bad Girls Deadlift]

Soo wrote: "Yah, I was thinking about that too.

I don't know if parents buy encyclopedias anymore. English is technically my second language. My parents bought the children's & regular encyclopedia sets when..."

Honestly, I don't think they make print encyclopedias anymore. I think they are all online but have a fee attached. I used to have the Encyclopædia Britannica at home - I was super lucky cause it was the full edition. In looking now, it seems to be a per year cost of $75 or more.

You are lucky! So was I - I had very few teachers who tried to stifle my reading. In fact, kids were a bigger problem than teachers. They used to harass me a great deal about my reading choices. In college one friend often told me to "go read some real books."