Sure kids can read, but will they "like" it?

Kids are becoming better readers, but most don't do it for fun.

“When children read well, they have a solid foundation for learning in every subject and they are able to open the door to possibilities and adventures that go far beyond their experiences.”

That’s the first paragraph in a literacy report compiled by the Ontario-based organization People For Education titled Reading for Joy and it’s a great summary of the importance of literacy. However, the rest of the report is bad news.

According to Reading for Joy, literacy scores among children Grades 3 to 6 are improving, but the numbers of those who "like to read" are significantly in decline. Grade 3 students who report they “like to read” has declined from 76% in 1998/99, to 50% in 2010/11. In Grade 6, the percentage of students who say they “like to read” has declined from 65% in 1998/99 to 50% in 2010/11.

International studies show that students with a positive attitude toward reading tend to:

• Be more successful in all subjects (including science and math) 
• Seek deeper knowledge and consequently develop deeper conceptual understandings of the subject matter 
• Be more likely to be socially and civically engaged 

This change in attitude may be the fault of educators and literacy activists.

According to the report, "It is possible that in our drive to improve the mechanical aspects of literacy, we have turned reading at home into an extension of school work. This is not necessarily the best way to increase student’s motivation to read."

The question remains, how do you lead a kid to a book (or magazine or website) and at the same time encourage them to independently "discover" the joy of reading?

Sudden Publishing, the self publishing solution company in Victoria, B.C. has the answer. Give kids books to read that are written about them. Contact us for more information on how you can create and give a wonderful gift to the children in your family.

To read the full report visit, http://www.peopleforeducation.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/People-for-Education-report-on-students-reading-enjoyment-Reading-for-Joy.pdf.