

There are novels on literally EVERY adolescent health issue. Small caveat: these benefits are most readily enjoyed when reading is for pleasure and when students get to choose what they’re reading!Īlso, reading a book about a teenager who has a parent with alcoholism or a story about a teenager who is rocking the teenage life even with a life-altering physical disability is a great way for students to learn health concepts (read: National Health Education Standard #1). But did you know…? Reading reduces stress.

We are well versed in the academic / cognitive benefits of reading.

Why? Reading is good for our mental health and not just the intellectual aspect. Using novels in Health class is a great marriage here’s the why and the how. I don’t let those negative comments thwart my goals though and I capitalize on the excited kids. Then come “This isn’t English class,” and “I hate reading.” The occasional, “YES!” pops out, usually quite quietly though. When you tell a group of 8th graders that they will be required to…actually, I tell them that they “get to” but they read between the lines…read a book, an ENTIRE book, for health class, the moans and groans are quite abundant.
