We know that when parents/carers transmit enjoyment of shared reading moments this also makes children more likely to enjoy shared reading experiences. Parents/carers can be motivated to share books and stories when they see their children’s enjoyment. However we understand that some parents/carers who lack confidence in reading and/or experience of being read to as a child themselves, may need extra support to get reading with their children.
At BookTrust we spark family enjoyment through creating fun reading experiences for both children and adults, and through building parental confidence. Working closely with our local delivery partners, we provide non-judgmental guidance and role modelling, helping to reduce anxiety that might make sharing books stressful for some parents/carers. All BookTrust offers, such as our new Bookstart Toddler packs, include attractive, easy to use, and interactive books and activities related to books. These prompt families to engage in reading in ways that lead to parental and child enjoyment and build reading habits.
Expanding Positive Cycles: Our research highlights opportunities to expand generational reading cycles. Many children are read to by several people in their lives, including grandparents, siblings, and teachers. The more people in a child’s life who share books and stories with them and transmit a love of reading, the stronger the generational cycles of building future readers become.
BookTrust resources are designed to be used and enjoyed by multiple ‘reading influencers’ in a child’s life. Our digital resources for families show grandparents and siblings enjoying shared reading moments, to raise awareness of how other ‘reading influencers’ can support children on their reading journeys.
Addressing Negative Cycles: Our research reveals specific barriers to creating strong generational reading cycles. It shows, for example, that parents/carers tend to be more positive about sharing books and stories with their daughters than with their sons, and that boys are less likely to be read to regularly than girls. Many parents/carers report that their sons quickly lose interest in reading or are “too active to sit down and listen to a story”.
In BookTrust offers and messaging we reassure families that there is no right or wrong way to read, and that children can actively engage with a story whether through play, with actions, on the move, or outdoors. Our BookTrust Storytime library offer, for example, is designed to challenge parents’/carers’ concerns that children should sit and be quiet when enjoying books in libraries.
