Why Children and Reading Should go Hand-in-Hand

August 3, 2015

It seems that, as with many of his other philosophies, Dr. Seuss’ views on reading were correct. The importance of reading for children is monumental, both in terms of personal development and for the progression of lifelong skills that aid academic success and social mobility. Yet, with reports and research suggesting that fewer and fewer children are visiting libraries and making an effort to read for pleasure, we think it is important to recap on why it is so important.

Children who read regularly have a wider vocabulary. Whilst obvious, this fact is no less important. A broader vocabulary improves a child’s written and oral communication skills, as well as improves their understanding of difficult topics.
If you read it can offer an increased knowledge and better understanding of: other cultures; historical events; politics; and ethical concerns. Books can be entertaining but also enlightening and educational; George Orwell’s novel Animal Farm, for example, is both a lighthearted read into a farm wherein the animals create a hierarchy and rule themselves, and on the other hand is an allegorical and dystopian view of Soviet-Russia. A more recent example could be Malorie Blackman’s Noughts and Crosses series, young-adult fiction, which examines issues of race.
When you read to children from a young age it is key as it gives your child exposure to language and also normalises reading for fun. Children are never too young to be read to!
Research suggests that not only does reading for pleasure improve vocabulary and literacy skills, it can also be a strong factor in determining social mobility and is indeed the “most important indicator of the future success of the child”. It can determine future success as those who read for pleasure are actively displaying an innate desire to engage themselves with stories, texts and learning; this predisposition to lifelong learning is directly linked to social mobility.
Children who read for pleasure improve their writing. Children can be assessed on their creative writing skills for their 11+ exams, GCSEs and A Levels and it has been proven that the more you read, the better you are at writing. As already noted, reading improves your vocabulary, but it also improves your ability to understand story-writing technique, characterisation and dialogue. Creativity breeds creativity!
Reading can boost a child’s performance in maths! A study has shown that if you read for pleasure, particularly for secondary school students, can boost performance in maths as well as vocabulary. The relationship between reading and maths progress could be due to a strong reading ability improving a child’s absorption and understanding of new information. It exercises the mind!
Reading improves concentration. Unlike most modern activities for children which stimulate the brain and makes relaxation difficult – if not impossible – reading requires stillness, concentration and reflection. Learning to concentrate is crucial for effective learning and will be a necessary skill throughout life.
Reading encourages empathy. It does not just ensure academic progress, but also improves a child’s ability to empathise and relate to others. Reading fiction involves the act of relating oneself to another self; putting ourselves “into their shoes”.
Reading is entertaining! Yes, it is – quite simply- fun! Furthermore, it is impossible to run out of books to read so you are always able to escape and have an adventure. A child can visit their local library, or their school’s library, and enjoy as many books as they like for free.

If you are unsure of where to start with the limitless number of books available, we recommend reading this list published on TES of the 100 fiction books all children should read before leaving primary school (according to teachers).

We also highly recommend this Buzzfeed collation of authors’ quotes about the beauty of reading.

Websites Consulted

Telegraph article: The importance of instilling a desire to read

Guardian article about the drop in children’s library visits

Telegraph article on how to get your child to read over summer

Telegraph article: Reading boosts maths results

Guardian article: Reading encourages empathy

Pearson UK: Why is reading so important?

TES: 100 children’s books every child should read

Buzzfeed: Authors on the importance of reading

How do you encourage your children to keep up their reading? Let us know at Kings Tutors.