Search

The Power and Importance of Reading

Funke Otiwhor Ajigboye
May 30
3 min read

“Kids are reading fewer books than ever before!” 📉

That’s the alarming conclusion drawn from the latest What Kids Are Reading Report, a comprehensive study that analyzed the reading habits of over 1.2 million pupils across the UK and Ireland. The findings reveal a concerning trend: the number of books read has decreased by a staggering 4.4% in just one year! This translates to over one million fewer books being read compared to the previous year, highlighting a significant decline in literacy engagement among children.

This decline marks the first occurrence of such a reading slump in over a decade and a half, with the only comparable dip being during the pandemic when many children faced disruptions in their educational routines. This trend is not just a statistical anomaly; it represents a critical issue that could have lasting implications for the intellectual development and educational success of our youth. It’s a big deal — and here’s why:

🌟 Why Reading Is Still a Superpower for Every Child:

1. Reading boosts your child’s language and writing skills!

Have you ever noticed how kids who read often speak and write more effectively? This improvement is not coincidental; it stems from the exposure to diverse sentence structures and narrative techniques that books provide. When children engage with literature, they learn how sentences are constructed, how stories are organized, and how to articulate their thoughts coherently. It’s akin to physical training at the gym — but for their brains! Just as athletes build strength and endurance, young readers develop their cognitive abilities and communication skills through regular reading practice.

2. It expands their vocabulary. 🧠

Books are treasure chests overflowing with new and exciting vocabulary. When kids read, they unconsciously absorb a plethora of new words and phrases, enriching their linguistic repertoire. Words like “magnificent,” “wobbly,” and “mysterious” become part of their everyday language, enhancing their ability to express themselves effectively. This expanded vocabulary not only helps them perform better in academic settings but also boosts their confidence in social interactions, enabling them to participate more fully in conversations and discussions.

3. Reading sparks BIG imagination! 🎨✨

When a child opens the pages of a book, they embark on an adventure that transports them to fantastical realms — whether it's riding dragons, solving intricate mysteries, or exploring distant planets like Mars! This immersive experience ignites their imagination and fosters creativity, empowering them to think outside the box. As they navigate through various narratives, children become better thinkers, adept storytellers, and innovative problem-solvers. The worlds they explore through reading inspire them to create their own stories, enhancing their ability to envision possibilities beyond their immediate reality.

📖 How to Get Your Child to Read (And Love It!)

Struggling to get your child interested in books? Try these easy and fun tips:

1. Be a reading role model.Let them see you read — a novel, a magazine, even a cereal box! Kids copy what they see, and if you treat books like treasures, they likely will too.

2. Make it part of your daily routine. Try bedtime stories or afternoon reading breaks. Just 10–15 minutes a day can work wonders.

3. Read what they read. Yes, even that comic book or picture book they can’t stop talking about! Sharing their reading interests makes it more fun for them, and you can talk about the story together.

4. Keep books handy — everywhere! Have a few books in the living room, bedroom, or even in the car. Mix fun books with educational ones — make reading feel like play.

5. Create a cozy reading corner. A little space with a comfy chair, pillows, and a basket of books can make reading feel like a special adventure. Kids love spaces that are just for them!