Reading for Pleasure
The significance of reading for pleasure is widely acknowledged and emphasised. Schools promote the importance of allocating time for leisure reading, while parents are encouraged to actively support their children's reading habits at home. However, why does this subject receive such extensive attention? In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of reading for pleasure and uncover its impact on children.
What does reading for pleasure actually mean?
Reading for pleasure is a personal choice that brings us joy. Sometimes, we’re initially intrigued by recommendations, but we keep reading because we’re genuinely fascinated by the material.
Reading for pleasure or reading for enjoyment goes beyond what teachers expect, sparking curiosity and bringing pure delight from reading itself.
What’s the big deal?
Reading for pleasure unlocks a treasure trove of new worlds for children, igniting their imagination to embark on captivating journeys, encounter fascinating characters, and delve into fresh ideas. Interestingly, not only does reading for pleasure enrich their minds, but it also nurtures their well-being and empathy. It cultivates a deeper understanding of their own identity while offering valuable insights into the diverse perspectives of the world.
According to the DfE, ‘Reading for pleasure is a key indicator of a child’s future success. When children learn to read at an early age, they have greater general knowledge and a wider range of vocabulary, their reading is more fluent, and they have improved attention spans.’
How can we encourage children to read for pleasure?
Encouraging a love for reading means helping children truly appreciate the sheer joy it brings. So, it's important that we help them grasp the essence of this joyful pursuit.
Below are 5 top tips to inspire reading for pleasure:
Allow children to choose their own books
All reading is valuable to children’s development and by giving children the ownership of choosing the books they read based on their interests, they are more likely to enjoy reading.
Regular book talk
Talk about the books your child is reading and ask them questions. If your child is really engaged and interested in the book, you will probably find that they won’t stop talking about it once you have initiated the discussion!
Get caught reading
Let your child catch you reading to show them that reading is also something adults do. We are our children’s role models and if they see us doing something, they will usually copy.
Build reading into your routine
Children thrive when they have a routine so by setting a certain time in the day for your child to read will create good habits.
Use technology to capture children’s interest in books
Using tablets as a medium for accessing literature can really boost children’s enjoyment and confidence in reading. For most, using a tablet is a fun activity, which makes it a powerful tool to have a positive impact on their reading journey.
To conclude,
Fonetti is an exceptional tool for igniting a love for reading. With access to a vast array of books, children are bound to discover one that captivates their interest. The incorporation of technology and gamification is sure to engage even the most tech-savvy youngsters, fueling their passion for reading. As parents and teachers, you can effortlessly monitor your child's reading choices, fostering meaningful discussions about the books they explore.
