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Left Hemisphere: The Reading Brain

Reading + Storytelling
Brain

Our brains can process an image in as little as 13 milliseconds, as compared to reading words which takes an average of 250 milliseconds.

The more stories we listen to and imagine (or view illustrations) the faster our processing and comprehension will become.

In a research study on language processing, Dr. Hasson’s team compared the brain activity of a storyteller with a listener using fMRI. The listener’s brain activity mirrored that of the storyteller’s with just few second delays. The synchronized activity appeared not only in basic language processing areas but also in high-level networks involved in understanding meaning.

Reading + Storytelling
Brain

Children who listen to stories are exposed to many new words and can usually understand meaning through context clues.

Story vocabulary becomes meaningful and students are more likely to use alternative means (i.e. dictionaries) to consult for definitions of unknown words.

Children are more motivated to use vocabulary that they are familiar with and have background meaning in their own writing.

By exposing children to new words, genres, and phrases, they are more likely to create or want to create their own to mimic their learning.

Storytelling Changes The Brain

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Storytelling Changes The Brain

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Stories can be so powerful that the neural activity in our brain is five times our normal activity. Compared with processing data, a story engages up to 7 different regions of the brain as we imagine the experiences we see, smell, hear, or taste.

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Great stories do another thing - they trigger the release of neurochemicals that sharpen our focus and connect us on an emotional level. Stories that elicit distress and empathy also motivate a desire to help others. The distress or tension results in the production of cortisol and sharpens the listeners focus.

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What does this mean?

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Learners who are actively engaged in the learning process can verbalize their thoughts and ideas more easily and effectively in oral or written forms.

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Students who engage in expression, especially verbally, often show better interpersonal skills, empathy, and self-awareness.

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Oral language skills support students with vocabulary enhancement, grammar acquisition, and overall language and speaking fluency. (i.e. effective communication)

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Allowing students to use their voice facilitates differentiated instruction as teachers can better understand learning styles, preferences, and challenges when reading or discussing content aloud.

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