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Reading for pleasure in early childhood can help youngsters perform better at school and boost their mental health as they enter teenage years, a study suggests. The study of more than 10,000 children found that those who started reading for fun at a young age performed better at cognitive tests and showed improved “brain structure” in adolescence. For “optimal” results, children should be reading for 12 hours every week, academics from the universities of Cambridge and Warwick in the UK, and Fudan University in China, found. Their study, published in the journal Psychological Medicine, analysed data on the children, all from the US, including interviews, cognitive tests, mental and behavioural assessments and brain scans. We encourage parents to do their best to awaken the joy of reading in their children at an early age Professor Jianfeng Feng They then compared information on children who began reading for pleasure before they turned nine against those who started later, or not at all. Of the 10,243 participants studied, just under a half (48%) had little experience of reading for pleasure or did not begin doing so until later in their childhood. The other half had between three and 10 years’ reading for pleasure. Those who started reading for pleasure at a young age were found to perform better on cognitive tests, which measured verbal learning, memory and speech development, and school academic achievement, when they were teenagers. These children also had better mental wellbeing, showing fewer signs of stress and depression, as well as improved attention and fewer behavioural problems such as aggression and rule-breaking. They also tended to use screens less and slept longer. Academics also analysed brain scans of teenagers and found that those who started reading for pleasure at a young age showed moderately larger total brain areas and volumes, and also showed differences in brain regions previously shown to relate to improved mental health, behaviour and attention. “Reading isn’t just a pleasurable experience – it’s widely accepted that it inspires thinking and creativity, increases empathy and reduces stress,” said Professor Barbara Sahakian from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge. “But on top of this, we found significant evidence that it’s linked to important developmental factors in children, improving their cognition, mental health, and brain structure, which are cornerstones for future learning and well-being.” Professor Jianfeng Feng from Fudan University in Shanghai, China, and the University of Warwick, added: “We encourage parents to do their best to awaken the joy of reading in their children at an early age. “Done right, this will not only give them pleasure and enjoyment, but will also help their development and encourage long-term reading habits, which may also prove beneficial into adult life.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Stan Wawrinka on setbacks, preparing for Wimbledon and friendship with Roger Federer Hacks for saving money on school uniforms King Charles and Queen Camilla surprise spa guests in bathrobes at eco-village

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Formula 2 champion Felipe Drugovich will replace Lance Stroll for first practice at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix. Brazilian driver Drugovich, who joined Aston as a test and reserve driver after winning the F2 championship last year, will take one of Aston’s prerequisite rookie practice slots at Monza. Drugovich has happy memories of Monza as it was the track where he clinched the F2 title last year. It will be the 23-year-old’s second taste of action behind the AMR23, having previously filled in for Stroll during pre-season testing in Bahrain after the Canadian injured his wrists a few weeks before the 2023 season. “The car felt great when I drove it in pre-season testing and it will be fascinating to feel how it has improved since then,” said Drugovich. “I’ve spent a lot of time in the simulator helping to develop the car so understanding how that correlates to the real thing will be super valuable for me too. “It’s also a fantastic opportunity for me to demonstrate what I’ve learnt through my testing programme. Since Bahrain I’ve done many more miles in an F1 car so I have an even better understanding of how I can deliver valuable feedback for the team.” All 10 teams are required to fill one FP1 slot per season with a rookie opportunity per car. Robert Shwartzman replaced Carlos Sainz for Ferrari last week in Zandvoort. Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack added: “We are delighted to provide Felipe with another opportunity to drive the AMR23. “He demonstrated his capabilities in pre-season testing, with a vital contribution to the team’s initial development of the car. “Monza will offer another chance for Felipe to work closely with the engineers and mechanics and build his confidence in a Read More Max Verstappen’s achievements are still underestimated, says rival Toto Wolff insists George Russell’s loss of form is a ‘myth’ Toto Wolff insists George Russell’s loss of form is a ‘myth’ Christian Horner hails ‘untouchable’ Max Verstappen as best driver in the world Lewis Hamilton says ‘totally wrong’ weather forecast cost Mercedes a podium spot

MARLBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug 29, 2023--