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Can Stories Make Kids Kinder? The Science Behind Reading and Empathy | The Chronicle Podcast Ep.4

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Manage episode 497391088 series 2594555
Content provided by Charles Jameson. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Charles Jameson or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

In this episode, we explore the surprising power of storytime to shape who children become. Grounded in rigorous research from Mar, Lee, Larsen, and Chen, we unpack how reading storybooks to children aged 3 to 8 can measurably boost empathy, honesty, and kindness.

Through clever experiments — from broccoli vs. cookie mind games to sticker-sharing challenges and honesty tests inspired by George Washington — scientists have shown that stories aren't just entertainment. They're training grounds for the heart. But not all stories work the same: human characters outperform animals, and tales that reward good behavior beat those that punish the bad. Most powerful of all? Consistent, shared reading with emotional discussion over time.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or just someone who believes in the transformative magic of books, this episode offers practical insight and hope: that empathy isn’t just taught — it’s told.

  continue reading

73 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 497391088 series 2594555
Content provided by Charles Jameson. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Charles Jameson or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

In this episode, we explore the surprising power of storytime to shape who children become. Grounded in rigorous research from Mar, Lee, Larsen, and Chen, we unpack how reading storybooks to children aged 3 to 8 can measurably boost empathy, honesty, and kindness.

Through clever experiments — from broccoli vs. cookie mind games to sticker-sharing challenges and honesty tests inspired by George Washington — scientists have shown that stories aren't just entertainment. They're training grounds for the heart. But not all stories work the same: human characters outperform animals, and tales that reward good behavior beat those that punish the bad. Most powerful of all? Consistent, shared reading with emotional discussion over time.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or just someone who believes in the transformative magic of books, this episode offers practical insight and hope: that empathy isn’t just taught — it’s told.

  continue reading

73 episodes

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