Reading Reduces Anxiety - Newsletter article

Below is a short feature that I put in the school newsletter this week focusing on reading and anxiety.

According to Beyond Blue, 7% of Australian adolescents have experienced an Anxiety Disorder while around 3% have experienced a depressive disorder. Research by the Black Dog Institute has shown that 25% of adolescents are at risk of developing mental illness at some point in their lives. 

In recent times, researchers have examined whether or not reading can reduce anxiety, known as bibliotherapy. Evidence has suggested that reading a good book can reduce anxiety.

How? Reading a book allows a person to escape from the problems that they are facing, and can enter into another world. Reading can also allow a person to develop a sense of compassion and empathy but also aid in healing.

Sometimes our day doesn’t turn out the way that we wish for. Reading for pleasure is a great way to unwind after a long day at school. 

And if you are someone who travels a long way to school on public transport, reading can make the journey much more relaxing and makes the time go faster. Disruptions with your bus or train won’t be so frustrating.

Digital Replicas of The Sydney Morning Herald (back issues)

Newspapers have made an effort in recent to provide subscribers access to articles featured in back editions, whether they go back 10 years, 25 years or since publication of the first issue.

The OZTL_NET forum had a request from one person about accessing an article from a specific edition in 2002.

I have noticed that The Sydney Morning Herald has appeared to spread itself far and wide in providing databases to provide specific timeframes.

Newspapers.Com (Paid database) has issues dating back to 1831, when publication began. Anything up to 1954 is freely available on Trove. What I like about it is the ability to download a full page in jpeg format or as a pdf for easy printing in a great size.

The disadvantage is that they end at January 31, 2002 and some editions are not listed.

They also have one archive that covers 1955-1995. This is available if you a member of the State Library of NSW.

Many libraries provide the library edition that covers 2006 - today.

I think its created some problems for what formerly was Fairfax. Wouldn't it make sense to consolidate it all into one database?

Not to mention, it creates more costs for libraries that want to provide access to one has been regarded as one of the world's great newspapers.

Databases like Factiva will list articles from the newspaper to cover the 2002-2006 period, but what if the individual wants to view a more authentic version of the article?

What about the library edition in schools?

I think generally they are great in providing a digital replica of the newspaper but is limited in its back library to January 1 2006. Would be great if they could add editions before 2006 to help students in their research, especially history students.

Cover 2 Cover Challenge

The Cover 2 Cover wide reading challenge at my school is underway.

The mood in the library is becoming electric, especially with the guessing competition where students can win prizes if they can correctly guess the favourite books of selected staff. It's a great way for my colleagues to share their reading preferences and experiences with the students. I have learnt what my colleagues enjoy reading too.

I have prepared recommended reads brochures that will award two points if a book on that list is read and reviewed (via a reading log) or 4 points if they select a book recommended by the teaching staff. It gives a bit of a challenge. If they want to read an item that is not listed, they can earn one point per book read, but can only read five books not listed.

It is a pilot project for my colleagues and I, but I will say how much fun its proving to be so far. Getting the students to read is the big challenge, but there are going to be some prizes on offer for those who either read the most books and/or earn the most points.

OLT Autism Training

I have recently been given the opportunity to undertake some Autism training through my school which is a mixture of face to face and online training.

The insights that have been given onto Autism today have interested me, especially the changes in the definition of Autism under DSM - 5, where Autism Spectrum Disorder is classified by levels and is determined by assessment by medical professionals.

Two matters have stood out for me which I will need to consider as a Teacher Librarian:

1. Ensuring that I provide explicit instructions in how to access library services. I have focused on providing step by step guides in how to access database or undertake a particular task in a program or application for the general school community. Could breaking it down further be better and/or identify an area that may require explicit instructions or ensure effective use.
2. Inquiry Learning - We have been presented with a hypothetical case study as part of the course. The person who was one who found creative tasks and answering open ended questions difficult. While inquiry learning is great in formulating questions of our choice to help us in research, for a person with autism, it may be overwhelming. Obviously there is a need for detailed steps to be followed including templates and scaffolds. But what about what to choose as their area of focus. I have thought about it and I would suggest at this time to focus on the persons specific interest area to narrow it down and allow them to enjoy a research task that accommodates their interests.

Australian Reading Hour 2019

On Thursday, Australian's were cncouraged to pick up a book and read for one hour at any time of the day.

The goal is for people to either discover or rediscover the role of reading (in a recreational sense) but also understand the role that it has in the development of literacy skills, especially children.

Click here to access the official website.

I was impressed (and agree) with the fact that reading reduces stress. One of the reasons for taking public transport instead of driving to work is that reading gives me time to destress, especially at the end of a working day and to put the hassles of the world behind me.

I am noticing more that I take advantage of delays to engage in reading. It may annoy me that I will get home later, but I tell myself that at least that I can do something that I want to do, even if a bus or train is not the most comfortable place to be.

Flights for me can be nerve wracking especially longer haul flights as I worry that I may have left something behind, worry my luggage missed the flight and the confined nature of the plane. I have noticed that reading gets me through the stress of it, though there are times I need to get around and stretch my legs in the cabin.

Reading for an hour can be a challenge for many people, but I think getting into the habit of reading each day is more important, even if it is for 15 minutes. I have always said to students that take public transport each day to take advantage of that time to read a book that interests them. Even adults should get into the habit. I am sure that people can disconnect for their devices for a short while or turn what could be a dreary time to enter a new world.

For some, technology will help them engage in reading like a kindle or an eReader app on their tablet device. I do use my iPad at times to read eBooks, especially if travelling to international destinations. It's not the same as reading a printed copy, but you can still immerse yourself in what is on the screen.

Book Request Paper Forms Vs Book Request Online Forms

I have for the past few months managed an online form (made via Google Forms) that encourages students and staff to suggest new books for the school library. I've over 80 requests from students and staff though I have made a few contributions so I don't forget to get the books

This week, I decided to make paper forms with the idea focusing on "Book Wishes" where students can "wish" for a book. With this approach, I keep it more simple. 

They then place their paper slip in a box. I noticed that a dozen requests were received within a day.

So will paper win or will the online form win?

I can see advantages both ways. The paper form is much simplier while online forms do require a little extra information to be provided. However the online form can be filled from anywhere and being done from a computer can make the request appear less visible to others. Mind you, only library staff can view the spreadsheet with book requests.

If you do book requests, do you still go for paper or do you go online or do you do both approaches.