The Numbers
In 2016, the National Literacy Trust performed a survey on over 42,000 children to gather information about children’s enjoyment of reading. Overall, 6 out of 10 children reported liking reading either very much or quite a lot. However, the survey did show gaps in answers depending on the age or gender of the participants. 64.9 percent of girls said they enjoyed to read very much or quite a lot, compared to 52.4 percent of boys who answered the same. Additionally, children seemed to have less motivation to read as they grew older, with only 43.8 percent enjoying reading for ages 14 to 16 compared to 77.6 percent for ages 8 to 11.
Figure from National Literacy Trust “Celebrating Reading for Enjoyment”
Why is this Important?
Clearly, reading is still an integral part of children’s entertainment. But as different forms of entertainment continue to develop, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that the next generation keeps their motivation to read. So the question is, what is the best way to increase motivation to read?
This question is not only for children, but for anyone who wants to exercise their brain and enjoy the simple pleasures of getting lost in a story. According to heathline.com, the benefits of reading books range from improving vocabulary and comprehension to even increasing lifespan.
For children in particular, reading from a young age sets the foundation for essential reading comprehension skills and has been shown to improve problem-solving skills. Here at Book Bears, our mission is to promote literacy for kids in our community and beyond, and reading is a quick and accessible way to build literacy skills from a young age. So, let’s answer the big question.
4 Easy Steps to Increase Motivation to Read
1. Don’t overdo it
We’ve all been there: we come home after another day in elementary school and pull out the dreaded piece of paper, the Reading Log. While our well-intentioned teachers were only trying to accomplish the same goal we are, Reading Logs have proven to make reading feel like a chore, achieving the opposite effect we want. Instead, the goal is to allow children to explore reading on a more independent level, which is much more likely to motivate them to continue reading for fun beyond their childhood years.
2. Model the way
Instead of telling children they should read, it’s best to show how fun it is by taking a book and reading alongside them. It is essential for parents and teachers to show their own excitement towards reading, as children pick up on that energy better than anyone.
3. Ask questions
When children are asked their opinions on the book they’re reading, it makes them think on a deeper level, making the story more interesting. Asking questions like “What do you think might happen because of this?” or “What might happen next?” get them excited to continue with the story.
4. Play to their interests
Every child is different, so it’s important to avoid limiting them to one genre or reading level. Encourage them to explore, but also understand that it will take time for them to step out of their comfort zone. If they show interest in a specific genre (fantasy, mystery, etc.), help them out and find more books that might engage them.
Closing Thoughts
Researchers from the National Literacy Trust say that children’s enjoyment of reading has increased by around 14 percent since 2005. Moving in the right direction is good, but there is always room for improvement. Use the steps above to help children get excited about something that is so beneficial for them. Growing up, I struggled finding motivation to read, which is all the more reason why I want to mold the way teachers and parents encourage children to read. The countless benefits of reading make it essential that we make it accessible and enjoyable for future generations.
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