Reading for Pleasure

 

“What are the benefits of reading for pleasure?

• Children who say they enjoy reading for pleasure are more likely to score well on reading assessments compared to pupils who said they enjoyed reading less
• There is some evidence to show that reading for pleasure is a more important determinant of children’s educational success than their family’s socio-economic status
• It can have a positive impact on pupils’ emotional and social behaviour
• It can have a positive impact on text comprehension and grammar.

 

What works in improving independent reading?

• An important factor in developing reading for pleasure is providing choice - choice and interest are highly related
• Parents and the home environment are essential to the early teaching of reading and fostering a love of reading; children are more likely to continue to be readers in homes where books and reading are valued
• Reading for pleasure is strongly influenced by relationships between teachers and children, and children and families.”  - Department for Education website

 

 

At MCPA we encourage reading for pleasure by:

• Placing stories at the centre of our curriculum – as well as “story time” many of our lessons are based around stories. Stories are used widely in assemblies. Authors are often discussed and celebrated.
• Discussions about books exploring what the author intended in the book, what the characters might be thinking/ feeling, etc.
• Having a good range of books in the classroom for the children to choose (many thanks to the PA for supporting this)
• Time in the day for independent reading – a quiet time where the children can enjoy their books
• Systematically teaching the children reading skills so that they can become independent readers
• Running book fairs, visiting authors, having book themed dressing up days, etc
• The school has a book club for older children
• Younger children are taken to visit the library

 

What you can do at home to promote reading for pleasure?

• Read stories to your children – bed time stories are a great way of sharing time together. Talk about the books with the children.
• Set aside a time for reading in bed before they go to sleep – it is a super way of relaxing.
• Give books as presents for Christmas and birthdays – giving a book as a present says a lot about what you value.
• Look for books about their hobbies – talk about them with the children.
• Take the children to the library.
• Story CDs are great for long car journeys and you don’t need to buy them - many are available from the library.
• Just enjoy a book yourself - seeing you reading for pleasure sets a great example for children.

 

Just because children enjoy playing with playstations, etc, there is still plenty of time in the day to enjoy a good book.