Reading

The Importance of Reading

“Readers are Leaders”

Why is reading so important?

Whether or not reading is something we enjoy, we cannot deny that the ability to read is a fundamental skill and to be able to read with confidence is very important. In a world where there are so many other things we could be doing with our time, reading often falls to the bottom of the pile. With a screen to entertain us, why would anyone take the time to pick up a book? Here are just a few reasons why……

• Reading increases vocabulary and helps to improve communication skills

• Reading makes us better spellers and writers

• Reading improves focus and concentration

• Reading improves imagination

• Reading reduces stress

• Reading improves memory

• Reading increases intellect and leads to academic success

• Reading increases capacity for empathy

• Reading is entertaining

Research suggests Children who read books often at age 10 and more than once a week at age 16 gain higher results in maths, vocabulary and spelling tests at age 16 than those who read less regularly.

At ESF your child will be encouraged to read in different ways and in different amounts throughout the curriculum. The exact form of reading tasks will vary depending on what Key Stage of the school your child is in but in all years, reading is integral for your student to fulfil their potential

Parental tips for supporting reading at home

• Switch on the subtitles on screens and TV. Recent research shows this can have a significant impact on a student’s reading ability. 
• Ask your child to read texts aloud in a practical context – reading a recipe when you are cooking or reading instructions when you are assembling furniture. 
• Talk about the world outside your family’s immediate experience – having a sound knowledge of the world helps students to make more sense of challenging texts. 
• Build their resilience by sharing your own struggles to learn something. Focus on the importance of staying motivated and positive. 
• Limit screen time and support your teenager in developing a reading habit. If they don’t have any screens in their room before bedtime, they might pick up a book.
• If your child is resistant to reading, try them with a graphic novels (such as comics where art is used to help tell the story). There are many choices of graphic novel for this age group and, as well as engaging plots, graphic novels often have sophisticated vocabulary. 

If you would like more guidance about which books to pick, use the BookTrust website. They have a Bookfinder section where you can select books to suit your child’s interests and reading age.

Useful links:

Please do take care to make sure that you as a parent are comfortable with the content of any of the books recommended in the following

• https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/bookfinder/
• https://schoolreadinglist.co.uk/