Why is reading so important for your child

Current Literacy Trends

Data from the National literacy Trust indicate that children’s reading has declined significantly in the last 20 years or so. There are a number of reasons for this such as digital distractions, cultural shifts, library closures and a lack of education as to the long term benefits of reading regularly

• Reading for Enjoyment: Recent data from the National Literacy Trust shows that about 36.1% of children aged 8 to 18 enjoy reading in their free time – therefore nearly two thirds of children are not reading at all for enjoyment
• Daily Habits: Roughly 20.3% of young people read daily outside of school, which remains lower than levels seen a decade ago.
• Choice Matters: Children are significantly more motivated to read when they can choose their own books rather than feel forced

Reading to children early builds vital language skills, boosts academic performance, and sparks lifelong imagination

Some of the benefits of early reading include

• Language Growth: Expands vocabulary and improves listening and communication skills.
• Cognitive Development: Strengthens concentration, memory, and brain architecture.
• Emotional Bonding: Creates close family ties and nurtures empathy.

All these benefits will have an impact upon other areas of study and will develop confidence in independent thought as the child progresses through school.

An important way to address the decline in reading enjoyment and frequency is to shed light on what drives or deters reading among children and young people, particularly for those who tell us that they don’t enjoy it. In 2025:

• 2 in 5 children and young people were motivated to read when material related to a favourite film or TV series (38.1%) or matched their interests or hobbies (37.1%)
• 3 in 10 (30.9%) were drawn in by an interesting book cover or title.
• 1 in 4 (26.6%) valued having the freedom to choose what they read.

Children and young people who report low levels of reading enjoyment, though less engaged, still recognise reading’s educational value (nearly half said it helps them learn new words or new things). Many also chose to read song lyrics, news articles, fiction, comics and fan fiction in their free time, highlighting how we might re-engage this group with reading. Findings suggest that this group would benefit from reading being aligned with personal interests and other media that children and young people already recognise as part of their cultural life.

Tips for parents to encourage reading at home

• Offer Variety: Mix graphic novels, magazines, non-fiction and poetry into their daily options.
• Make It Interactive: Use different character voices ask open questions and talk about the pictures.
• Set an Example: Let children see adults reading for pleasure in everyday

One of the biggest obstructions to reading is of course – mobile phones, social media and other technology – whilst these devices do have their uses – the current trend is to spend too much free time on these devices which increasingly focuses on visual content and videos and those vital skills listed above are not being used. If you don’t use it you lose it!!

Here are some links to find out more about reading groups in your area:

 https://literacytrust.org.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/chatterboxcommunitycafe

https://www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/libraries/clubs-and-activities-in-libraries

Happy reading!