The National Literacy Trust reflect that there should be national consideration of 'what can be done to provide more space for children to read for enjoyment. Perhaps a packed curriculum, high academic expectations, and the perception of a challenging future all contribute to children having less time for reading for enjoyment and less mental space to do it. It’s likely, too, that the recent pandemic and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis have exacerbated these challenges, with many children and young people struggling to access high-quality reading material.' They call on the government 'to urgently form a reading taskforce and action plan with multi-sector partners to address declining rates of reading enjoyment and, in its curriculum and assessment review, prioritise reading for pleasure alongside the skills that are vital in the development of confident, motivated readers.' These are worrying findings that highlight how the work we do here at Bookmark is needed now more than ever. Our work provides space for children to read for enjoyment in the challenging circumstances schools are facing, and in our most recent survey, 95% teachers tell us that they have seen an increase in the reading enjoyment of children on the one-to-one reading programme. Our strategy outlines how over the next three years we will help schools to build their whole school reading cultures, to champion reading for pleasure and celebrate and encourage reading at every opportunity, and this National Literacy Trust research really brings home how critical this is in changing the outcomes for the children and schools we support. Read our strategy ➡ https://lnkd.in/dZRF8x35 #BookmarkReading #ChildrensLiteracy
There's a Reading for Pleasure crisis! New research published today from the National Literacy Trust has found that reading for enjoyment is at an all time low. 🔵2 in 3 children and young people don't enjoy reading. 🟣The research report records the worst levels in nearly 20 years! When children enjoy reading it helps to build skills and vital benefits like wellbeing, confidence and learning - essential for navigating school and beyond. At Bookmark, we want every child to read. We're committed to supporting children to gain the reading skills they need to succeed, with a focus on supporting children in the most disadvantaged communities who often face the greatest barriers. We need your help to inspire a love for reading among children and reverse this national crisis! Become a Bookmark Volunteer and empower a child to be their best self. Learn more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/etN_3W3 #BookmarkReading #ReadingForPleasure #NationalCrisis #NationalLiteracyTrust