By Sammie Jones-
Parents of primary and secondary school pupils can do more to encourage their children to read for pleasure.
Many parents don’t know the influence they can have on their children’s reading but that’s because there are a whole lot of parents who don’t read themselves.
Reading for pleasure is known to improve the reading attainment of children, and improves their writing ability and self confidence, but not enough children read for pleasure. A recent research conducted by this publication, and which is still ongoing revealed that 63% of a sampled 200 pupils between the ages of 12 and 14 read for pleasure. A much wider sample is required for a broader picture, but the results so far reveal that many secondary school pupils in the Uk don’t read for pleasure.
Pupils sampled in this particular research belong to mainstream schools, and were surveyed through both tutor groups and direct research at their various schools with the permission of the authorities of the school. Wider research in grammar schools and private schools are ongoing. Many secondary schools in the Uk encourage reading for pleasure, but only certain students actually apply the advice they are given. Parents are the most influential factors in inspiring their children to develop a reading habit, especially parents that begin to motivate their children at an early age from primary school.
Past research has shown that family and socio economic status can impact the literacy skills of children, but having enough reading books in the house or supplying children with books to read can be very helpful in inspiring pupils to read. Varying the standard of books children read as well as reading with them and confirming they understand what they are reading are very important processes many parents need to take on board.
Apart from children who suffer with severe dyslexia, most children can be inspired to develop their reading levels if only their parents will commit more time investing in their children. Schools need to train parents to play their role with their children.