These days we hear a lot about our young people
being constantly slumped in front of TV screens and PlayStations, and that this
departure from literature is a downward trend. But personally, I don’t believe
that young people have abandoned reading as much as people think.
From an early age my own children loved
books, and as parents we encouraged them to develop their love of reading by
taking them to the library and buying them books. Now, as a Principal of an
academy, which includes an Early Years Centre, my drive to encourage young
people to read is even greater. So what is it that makes reading books so
important? These are just some of the reasons why we should encourage children
of all ages to read:
·
Reading is to the mind what
exercise is to the body
·
Self-improvement! Books can
change your thinking, help you overcome the past, change situations and make
better decisions
·
The ability to read and
understand can open any door you choose to go through
·
Reading is fun! Early reading for toddlers helps them view
books as an indulgence, not a chore. Kids who are exposed to reading are much
more likely to choose books over video games, television, and other forms of
entertainment as they grow older
·
Reading boosts imagination and
creativity. Books are beyond imagination; it’s like a huge spider web where
elements link to more and more ideas
The Department of Education clearly has
renewed its focus on reading. Through learning to read fluently and confidently, pupils ‘have a chance to develop culturally, emotionally, spiritually and socially.’ The
draft of the new English Programme of Study puts a strong emphasis on reading,
stating that ‘Pupils should be taught
to … understand extended prose, both fiction and non-fiction, and be encouraged
to read for pleasure. Schools should do everything to promote wider reading. They should provide library facilities and set ambitious expectations for
reading at home.’
Ofsted also has a focus on reading in schools. Its inspectors would
want to be assured that leaders and managers have clear, simple, consistent
procedures and recording systems to track pupils’ progress in reading. For example, in a primary school, they will
ask the question: ‘Do leaders and managers know who the weakest readers in each
year group are, and what is being done to support them?’ Inspectors will also
want to know how well pupils are using their reading skills in other subjects.
‘Every child a reader’ is the target and
all of us should encourage people of all ages to relax and spend time reading a
good book. Remember a book is a great
gift you can give to anyone, and once the imagination is sparked, you will be
giving them a gift for life.
