IMPROVE: Preventing Low reading interest

Today’s children read less frequently than any previous generation and enjoy reading less than young people did in the past, according to new research.

It is currently observed that fewer children enjoy reading, and this decreases with age: nearly twice as many children between the ages of five and eight as those between the ages of 14 and 16 said they took pleasure in reading. Overall, only 53% of children said they enjoyed reading “very much” or “quite a lot” – the lowest level since 2013.

A report based on a recent survey of over 8,000 primary and secondary school students in England investigates why some students choose to read while others do not. According to research literature, children benefit from reading for pleasure in various ways. According to the research, young people’s enjoyment of reading is declining. Given the current policy concerns about reading and the obvious benefits of reading for pleasure, it is crucial to place more emphasis on the joy of reading both at school and at home.

Through this project, we plan to:

1. Create a culture where all students are encouraged to be enthusiastic readers. To support this goal, all school staff will implement an effective approach, consulting students to learn about their interests and ensure that the range of reading materials available in the school reflects those interests. We are aware that a diverse range of reading materials will encourage students to read, for example, websites, comics, and magazines. We will involve children in the planning and delivery of reading activities and library campaigns, offering them the opportunity to select and acquire reading materials for their use.
2. Consider how to engage boys in reading. In addition to encouraging boys to read around their personal interests, particular attention should be given to engaging male staff, community role models, and parents. This will be implemented through teacher training activities and parent collaboration, aimed at sharing practices that involve students in creating a reading culture.
3. Consider how to support parents in promoting reading at home. The role of the home is important for all children. Home-school practices that successfully involve all parents in ways they value to reinforce their involvement in reading at home and at school need to be shared among schools. Both teachers and school staff can support this work.

Results and long-term benefits

• Developing teachers’ skills and competencies to help students improve reading and comprehension;
• Increasing students’ awareness of how reading promotes learning skills;
• Developing basic skills and competencies of young students for better reading and comprehension ability;
• Enhancing verbal and writing skills;
• Boosting imagination and creativity.
• Fostering a love for reading & Encouraging digital reading
• The teacher training program can also be utilized by other community organizations;
• The best practices guide can serve as a reference for establishing teaching strategy throughout the EU.
• Improving computer skills through audiovisual tools.