17 Sep 2013
A new report from the Oxford University Press has highlighted the importance of parents reading with their children. As little as ten minutes a day can make a significant difference to achievement levels, it claims.
The report, Books Beyond Bedtime, also draws on our research which shows that children who read outside of class are 13 times more likely to read above the expected level for their age.
Clare Bolton, Campaign Manager at the National Literacy Trust said:
We know from our work with parents and children in communities across the UK that fostering a love of reading at home is crucial to children's future happiness and success.
The research surveyed nearly 1,000 parents with children aged 6-11, finding that almost half (44%) are never read to at home. The report offers six tips for reading to 7 to 11-year-olds at home, including:
- Make the time to read – even ten minutes a day
- Choose different types of books
- Take turns to read
- Talk about the book – asking your child questions
- Pay attention to the language
- Enjoy reading
