The Words Alive Reader: May 18, 2021

Welcome to The Words Alive Reader, a regular newsletter keeping you up-to-date with the latest in how we've been connecting children, teens, and families to the power of reading. What have we been up to and how can you help? Read on to find out!

Author Adib Khorram Visits Words Alive Students

A picture of author Adib Khorram, next to the cover of his book Darius the Great is Not Okay.

"Sometimes you're afraid to start a story because it's getting at something that you don't want to share. My advice is to be brave and take it a little at a time." — Adib Khorram to Words Alive high school students

Acclaimed young adult author Adib Khorram recently visited one of our partner classrooms at San Ysidro High School to share his story and chat with students. Thank you to SYHS for partnering with us, to Adib for stopping by for a visit, and to the Words Alive volunteer who sponsored this experience for our students! Learn more about what Adib shared with our students and how they reacted here.

Plot Twist: Meher Gandhi

A picture of Meher Gandhi, our Engagement Volunteer of the Year.

Meet Meher Gandhi, an amazing Words Alive volunteer who supports us all the way from her home in India! She was recently named our Engagement Volunteer of the Year.

We talked to Meher about her love for literature, her experiences in volunteer leadership, and her international perspective on working together for literacy.

"We are really giving something to the community...not just in words, but in actions," she says. Read more here!

Oceanside Community Foundation Grants Words Alive $20,000

A screenshot from a Family Literacy Program session on Zoom. The kids are holding up their crafts to the camera.

Words Alive is partnering with the Oceanside Community Foundation to deliver our Family Literacy Program in the Oceanside community – connecting young children and families to the power of reading through play. So far, approximately 180 families have participated in this program year. Now, we are excited and grateful to share that the Oceanside Community Foundation has granted us $20,000 to expand our work in Oceanside with teen programming! The Oceanside Community Foundation has been an extremely supportive partner at every step of the process, and we are thrilled to continue working together.

Meet Our New Engagement Director, Alyssa Broda

A picture of Alyssa standing in front of a colorful mural that reads “You Are Radiant! Yes, You.”

We are so excited to announce the latest addition to the Words Alive team: our new Engagement Director, Alyssa Broda! ​​​​​​​

Alyssa is a dynamic fundraising professional with over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sphere. Here at Words Alive, Alyssa is working towards helping the organization reach new levels of engagement amongst donors and volunteers.
Read more about her and what she’s bringing to Words Alive here! 

Mental Health Month: Art & Lit

In honor of Mental Health Month, here are two ways that you can explore the connections between reading, art, education, and mental health with us.

1) Ben, a Words Alive volunteer and high school student, wrote a piece for our blog about how the pandemic has affected student mental health. Read the full blog post here.

2) With the trauma of the past year in mind, our Art & Lit project, created in partnership with ArtReach, was designed to help students explore mindfulness, emotional awareness, and belonging through connection with reading and art. This year, for the first time ever, the whole community can participate! Learn more here.

An example of this year’s Art & Lit Project: an identity circle drawn with red and gray markers.

Missed the Volunteer Appreciation Celebration?

The Words Alive logo, the words “12th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration, Presented By” and the EY logo.

Did you miss our 12th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration? Don't worry — we recorded it! Through our virtual program, you can watch the recording, hear from our presenting sponsor, EY, read about the incredible volunteers who were recognized at the Celebration, download special Words Alive bookmarks, and more.

We are so grateful to each and every one of our volunteers for helping us connect children, teens, and families to the power of reading. If you'd like to become a volunteer, click here to learn more. 

This newsletter, in addition to our blog and social media content, is written by us, a cohort of volunteers! Do you love writing and have an interest in helping Words Alive create this type of content? We'd love your help! Email to learn more.

- Zoe, Eli, Nia and Titiksha, Words Alive Storytelling Team

The Pandemic's Impact on Student Mental Health

Written by Ben Hollingshead, Words Alive volunteer and student at The Bishop's School in San Diego.

A student seated at a desk rests his head on his arms.

Last year, as COVID-19 started to spread virulently across the globe, schools were suspended in 188 countries and over 90% of enrolled learners, a whopping 1.5 billion students worldwide, were out of school, creating a global scale of disruption in education that is completely unprecedented. Today, over a year after the first cases of COVID were diagnosed in the United States, distance learning has taken a toll on the mental well-being of students.

“All we are left with is the monotony of academics on Zoom on repeat. ”

— RH, high school senior

One of my friends, a senior in high school, described it well when he said he has recently “hit the proverbial pandemic wall” after nearly a year in quarantine. “All that extra stuff that makes school fun—the sports, the rehearsals, the school lunches and just the fun spontaneously hanging out with friends—has been stripped from our experience. And all we are left with is the monotony of academics on Zoom on repeat.”

A black-and-white image of someone typing at a laptop.

For many of us, online school is frustrating. During a typical day online, students spend 6-7 hours staring at the computer screens trying to focus on lectures and then another 3-4 hours on homework also on the computer. These sterile digital screens typically do not allow us to gauge emotions in the room or truly interact with our friends like we would in a regular classroom.

This lack of interaction is tough, especially in classes where discussion and debate is the primary basis for learning. It also makes classes that require interactive laboratory work almost impossible to conduct effectively. So while students, in theory, are attending classes, they may not be getting the same level of academic rigor as they would in a typical in-person classroom. 

A girl sits alone on a couch.

While the loss of learning is concerning, it is the sense of isolation that comes with online learning that is the most disturbing. School is where most of us build our social network. Interacting with friends at school is a healthy way to buffer the stresses (tests, parental pressure) that we experience. With school closures, this physical social safety-net no longer exists. The new normal is disconcerting and extremely lonely. 

Added to this sense of isolation, many families face increased stress and anxiety as more parents are faced with job losses and food insecurity as a result of the pandemic. Even in households where the parents have not experienced job loss, students mention feeling cooped-up after months of isolation.

“We are on Zoom all day long, everyone staring at different computer screens 24/7.”

— A.V., high school first-year

My friend A.V. described feeling “claustrophobic as everyone in my family is stuck inside the house. I’m in my room, my brother in his, my dad and mom are in a separate room also working. We are on Zoom all day long, everyone staring at different computer screens 24/7.”

All these factors, coupled with the constant fear about catching the virus itself—not to mention the most vitriolic and divisive Presidential Election in the history of this country taking place as they struggle through school—has resulted in a significant increase in the number of students that need emergency mental health counseling services. In a recent Gallup poll, nearly three in 10 (29%) parents disturbingly say their child is "already experiencing harm" to their mental health because of social distancing and school closures. And another 14% of parents say that their children are close to hitting their limits.

A picture of Rady Children’s Hospital.

According to Sandy Mueller, Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services for Rady Children’s Hospital, the hospital has seen a “spike, about a 5 percent to 7 percent increase in the kids coming to our emergency room” with mental health issues compared to the previous year (San Diego Union Tribune 2/2021). This mirrors national data from the CDC that shows a 24% increase in mental health-related ER visits among children 5-11 and 31% increase among adolescents ages 12 to 17 compared to similar periods in 2019. 

What is especially heartbreaking is that the pandemic has disproportionately affected already vulnerable populations. In San Diego County alone, 100,000 children do not have basic access to the Internet so they can attend their classes. While the average student could fall behind seven months academically, the loss could be as much as 10 months for Black children and nine months for Latinx children. Students with existing mental health conditions and those with learning disabilities have not had the same face-to-face access to counselors and resources as they did pre-pandemic. Things have been especially dire for children in abusive homes, as the pandemic has forced them to be locked in with their abusers with no access to the safe haven of schools.

A picture of volunteers sorting book donations.

During the pandemic, Words Alive volunteers helped families grow their home libraries and read together while schools were closed.

But while the challenges of the pandemic are many, we as a community, and you and I as individuals, are not powerless. One thing I am definitely grateful for is the opportunity to volunteer at Words Alive to support their work during the pandemic. It has shown me that we can take action to help our students, and over the last year, I’ve watched countless counselors, educators, nonprofits, families and community members do just that, stepping up time and time again to confront the challenges thrown at them by this virus.

And now, hope seems to be on the horizon. With vaccinations being administered and the number of cases dropping, public schools are beginning to reopen in a hybrid model. This model appears to be working well as many schools in San Diego have already moved to a hybrid model that combines distance and in-person learning, including The Bishop’s School, the school I attend. For the two days a week that I am physically at school, I appreciate, more than ever, the blessing of being able to hang out with friends and meet teachers on campus. 

A row of paper dolls wearing masks holds hands on an orange background.

This gratitude is ultimately the silver lining that I will take away from this pandemic. Small things that we tended to take completely for granted, like eating out or watching a movie with friends, will now feel new and will be celebrated.

After a year of disruptions and social isolation, I believe my generation of students will emerge more resilient and thankful for everything we have.

—

Thank you, Ben, for sharing your experiences with us! We are so grateful for your support and care for your fellow students.

If you connected with Ben’s story and want to take action to help our community’s most vulnerable students emerge strong from the pandemic, you can support our online, free resources for teens right here at Words Alive. Through our Treat Yo’ Shelf (formerly QuaranTEENs) resource, Words Alive has developed journaling prompts and writing exercises to help students explore healthy coping strategies for the increased stresses they are experiencing.

We are also about to launch our annual Art & Lit project in partnership with ArtReach and for the first time ever, the entire community can participate!

A red and gray Identity Circle from this year’s Art & Lit project.

Art & Lit helps students connect books to their own lives by guiding them through a thoughtful and engaging art project. In response to the mental health crisis many students are facing this year, our project is intentionally focused on books that explore themes of loneliness and isolation and you will explore themes of identity, courage, and bravery as you create your unique art piece. Learn more about getting involved here.

Can Reading Help Improve Mental Health?

By Jennifer Van Pelt

What is Mental Health and Who Can it Affect?

An infographic that says: "Fact: 1 in 5 children ages 13-18 have, or will have a serious mental illness. Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness

There are countless benefits to reading, and as May is Mental Health Awareness Month, we are focusing on the intersection of the two and are discussing how reading can be connected to an improvement in mental health. Mental health refers to a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being. According to MentalHealth.Gov, 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experiences mental health issues.  Mental health can affect how we think, feel, and act and can be influenced by biological factors or life experiences. Though there are many ways to improve your mental health, reading is a free method that can improve not only your mental wellness but your overall quality of life.

How Can Reading Impact Mental Health?

An infographic that explains the many different benefits of reading books, including: "reduces stress, exercises your brain, and increases your ability to empathize with others."

n a study conducted by the Reading Agency and summarized by the Independent, reading for pleasure can increase self-esteem, reduce symptoms of depression, help build better relationships with others, and reduce anxiety and stress. When immersing yourself in a good book, you can be swept away to a world that is separate from yours, thus separating yourself from the dilemmas or stresses you may have. Certain books can also help you realize you are not in alone in what you are going through, which is often times a focus for the healing process: recognizing others are going through what you are.

In a term that was coined in the early 20th century but has roots dating back to Ancient Greece, Bibliotherapy is a form of therapy that recognizes that books have the power to aid people in solving the issues they’re facing. As mentioned on GoodTherapy.org, there are various services that are offered by Bibliotherapists to discuss what you are struggling with, whether that be stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, etc. and they prescribe books that assist with these problems. There are also existing lists of books at some libraries that focus on common issues including self-esteem, adoption, substance abuse, and eating disorders, among others.

What About Mental Health Later in Life?

There have also been studies that delineate the connection between reading and mental decline that can happen later in life. In a study summarized by Psychology Today, being an avid reader throughout life and continuing into old age can reduce memory decline by more than 30%. Furthermore, for participants included in their study, those who read the most had the fewest physical signs of dementia. The Alzheimer's Research & Prevention Foundation lists brain aerobics and mind games as methods to maintain the vitality of the brain -- activities of which both heavily employ reading and writing methods and focus on continuously exercising your brain.

Overall, professionals agree that reading can have a positive impact on your mental health by building intelligence, empathy, and gaining perspective. According to this article by Jen Reviews, 40 million adults in the U.S. have a mental health condition. If that includes you or someone you love, there are numerous ways to seek help (see resources below). One small thing you can do is bring literacy to the forefront of your life by picking up a book today!

If you are struggling with mental health issues and are looking for help, visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

For more information about Words Alive, please click here.

Sources:

https://www.nami.org/learn-more/mental-health-by-the-numbers

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/reading-improves-relationships-and-reduces-depression-symptoms-says-new-study-10446850.html

https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health

https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/bibliotherapy

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/metacognition-and-the-mind/201804/can-reading-help-my-brain-grow-and-prevent-dementia

http://alzheimersprevention.org/4-pillars-of-prevention/exercise-and-brain-aerobics/

https://www.jenreviews.com/mental-health-diagnosis/

Stories, Stress, & Schools: Why Summoning Books Can Help Students' Mental Health

By Anna Lyczmanenko

This piece was originally posted here as part of the Harry Potter Alliance's Accio Books series, exploring issues related to literacy, education, and libraries. To find out more about Accio Books and how Words Alive is involved, visit thehpalliance.org/accio_books. 

Today’s students have a lot to deal with, both in the classroom and out. Social anxiety, depression, abuse, bullying, eating disorders, and pressure to perform are issues that many young people, from elementary school through college, face every day. When things come to a head and students find themselves in crisis, many may feel that they do not have someone to confide in or don’t know who to turn to for help. This scenario is shockingly common: according to the Department of Health and Human Services, most children with a mental illness do not receive the treatment they need.

Source: Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City

Tackling the issue of student mental health has proven to be a difficult task, even in states with funds and programs dedicated to helping children and young adults with mental health concerns. Fortunately, there are efforts to widen the conversation about mental illness and remove the stigma. As a result, discussions around youth mental health have started to enter the mainstream. This growing conversation is occurring on television, in state and national legislatures, but also at a level closer to home for kids – at school.

Young people spend a great deal of time at school, which means that schools have an opportunity to be a great resource for young people dealing with mental illness. The desire to help students has generated movements amongst teachers, school staff members, and students themselves to create programs, petitions, and resources around mental health. Many HPA chapters have been active in creating these campaigns: whether raising money for direct service organizations, hosting “de-stress” events on college campuses, or speaking out about their own experiences, wizard activists around the world are working with their schools to remove the stigma around mental illness and seeking help. This work could not be more vital. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five teens between the ages of 13 to 18 is at risk of a severe mental disorder.

Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness

At the elementary level, states and teachers have gotten together to mitigate mental health issues for students as they develop. In Minnesota, students can receive mental health treatment in school, removing the barriers like transportation, insurance coverage, and lengthy wait times for appointments. As a result, more students are receiving the help they need and seeing jumps in their attendance and academic performance. Other states, like California and Washington, are also looking at what schools can do to help - and that’s where wizard activists come in.

It’s no secret that reading can improve your mental health by increasing empathy, reducing stress, and even improving sleep. By making sure that young people around the world have access to books, Accio Books helps provide a vital mental health resource. Books can be powerful therapy on their own, and even more helpful when they explicitly tackle mental health and mental illness. This year for Accio Books, we have partnered with Words Alive, which means that wizard activists will help 5,000 young people and their families have access to the power of story.

Source: Consumer Health Digest

Through Accio Books, wizard activists are also helping to support some of their community’s mental health first responders: librarians. Because children and teens are unlikely to be receiving the treatment they need, it’s vital that youth-serving agencies like libraries have training to recognize and support young people living with mental illness. Library staff often provide more than book recommendations, serving as a resource for everything from finding substance abuse support programs to navigating the health system. Assuring that libraries have the funding they need to keep their doors open and their staff well-trained is essential. That’s why wizard activists contacted Congress 868 times last year to support funding libraries, and that’s why we’ll do it again on May 1st and 2nd for National Library Legislative Day.

Through Accio Books, teachers, afterschool providers, library staff, students and other wizard activists are working together to increase young people’s access to books - which means we’re providing more resources for young people in need of the therapeutic benefits of reading great stories. This work, along with awareness-raising, outreach, and collaboration of services is essential to helping and empowering students living with mental illness. So be sure to visit our Accio Books headquarters to donate books, take action for libraries, become a Prefect, or even donate to support the campaign. You never know whose life your favorite stories will change.

Anna Lyczmanenko is a part Hufflepuff/part Gryffindor with a love of peanut butter, and talking about healthcare. She is the Mental Health Campaigns Researcher for the Harry Potter Alliance.