BookTrust research reveals decline in childhood reading enjoyment

Published on: 02 October 2024

BookTrust research reveals that childhood reading enjoyment declines as children progress through primary school - but teachers can make a big difference.

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BookTrust's family survey has revealed that children's enjoyment of reading declines through primary school, with Waterstones Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce saying that the findings concern him "greatly".

The study found that while 33% of 7-year-olds say they 'love' reading, this drops to 29% at age 10 and further declines to just a quarter (25%) by age 11.

The survey results come shortly after it has been revealed that while reading achievement for school pupils in England is higher than the international average, shockingly, the country ranks in the bottom third worldwide for childhood reading enjoyment.

BookTrust also surveyed almost 3000 primary school teachers in England, finding that teachers' concern about levels of reading enjoyment among their pupils increases as children progress through primary school. Around 48% of Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 teachers express concern over reading enjoyment levels in their class, but this continues to rise to 63% of Key Stage 2 teachers.

Making sure children don't miss out on the benefits of reading

BookTrust research shows that children who enjoy reading tend to read by choice more often, for longer, and become more skilled readers, and that focusing solely on functional literacy risks depriving children of the wider benefits of reading.

These include improved speech and language skills, higher academic achievement, better mental wellbeing, enhanced social skills, and stronger relationships. Reading also fosters imagination, empathy, and creativity, so it's vital that strategies to promote children's reading enjoyment are prioritised and that organisations such as BookTrust provide the guidance and support to do so.

Given the widening attainment gap between disadvantaged children and their more advantaged peers over the last five years, it is particularly important that children from low-income and vulnerable family backgrounds receive support to enjoy reading during school hours, helping to level the playing field and overcome disadvantage.

Helping every child to enjoy reading

Waterstones Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce said: "For too long, childhood literacy has not been taken seriously by those in power. Families from disadvantaged backgrounds haven't had the means or support they need to give their children the enormous invisible advantage that my parents gave me.

"As a nation we are seeing an accelerating decline in the number of children reading for pleasure. We are also seeing an increase in childhood anxiety - a kind of Happiness recession. These stats are two sides of the same coin. Are we seriously going to stand by and watch this happen? Are we going to let this magical gift, which boosts educational attainment and - more importantly - brings great happiness, become a privilege of the lucky few?

"It's simply not good enough – and it's not fair – that Britain currently ranks in the bottom third of of countries worldwide for childhood reading enjoyment. It stands at complete odds with our reputation for giving the world some of its best known stories and writers.

"I visit schools up and down the country. Witnessing the joy on children's faces when they're read to is an amazing privilege that is also just a normal part of my working day. As the Waterstones Children's Laureate, I am committing myself working with BookTrust on my Reading Rights: Books Build a Brighter Future campaign.

"We want to ensure the joy that reading for pleasure brings is no longer an invisible privilege for the lucky ones. We want every child, everywhere can enjoy the transformative power of reading."

Ruthann Hughes, Director of Research and Impact at BookTrust, said: "The decline in reading enjoyment, despite teachers' hard work, is something we need to address. Shared reading, where an adult or an older sibling reads with a child, is crucial for fostering children's reading enjoyment.

"Working with families to help them share stories together at home is time well spent by schools as it will positively impact the children's attitude to reading. It takes a whole community to make a reader."

Meanwhile, Jon Biddle, teacher at Moorlands Primary Academy in Belton, added: "The benefits of reading are undeniable, and to allow a generation to not reap those benefits would be a tragedy. Embedding reading for pleasure is not achievable in a lesson plan – it's about the ethos of the whole school, prioritisation, and commitment.

"In our school we know the vital role of the teacher in being a reading role model championing current children's books and knowing their class's preferences. Time is a challenge, but if all staff engage in regular conversations about books, that becomes the foundation to build on."

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