From Decline to Delight: How Schools Can Inspire Reading
9/27/24 6:41 PM
Books Are Fun Team Member
Did you know that reading often declines as children get older? In 2023, less than 3 out of 10 children aged 8 to 18 read daily. This number has stayed the same since 2022. Since 2005, daily reading has dropped by 26%, from 38.1% to 28.0%. Interestingly, more girls than boys read daily (30.4% vs. 24.9%).
How to Encourage a Love of Reading in Your School
Getting kids to love reading in schools is super important to change this trend. Here are some fun ideas to get you started:
- Create Reading Corners: Design cozy reading nooks in classrooms or libraries with age-appropriate books and comfortable seating.
- Book Clubs: Organize book clubs where students can discuss books they’ve read, fostering community and regular reading.
- Reading Challenges: Set reading goals, like a “Read 20 Books” challenge throughout the school year, to motivate students.
- Book Swaps: Have book swaps where kids can trade books they’ve read for new ones.
- Reading Buddies: Pair older students with younger ones to read together, discuss books, and build friendships.
- Celebrate Reading: Host themed events like “Book Character Day” or “Read-a-Thon” to make reading fun and engaging.
- Family Reading Nights: Plan family reading nights where parents and kids can read together and share stories, promoting a reading culture at home.
By using these strategies, we can help keep books in kids’ hands beyond the early years and help them love reading for life.
Contact us to learn more about our programs and how we can help your school inspire a love of reading.
National Literacy Trust. "Children and Young People's Reading in 2023." National Literacy Trust, 2023, https://literacytrust.org.uk/research-services/research-reports/children-and-young-peoples-reading-in-2023/