If parents spent the same time and effort buying and getting their kids to read books as they do on World Book Day costumes, it would be a big step forward.
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Really?!
At my local Asda min half an aisle is dedicated to books. Half of which are children’s. Sometimes it is more!
They also sell them at a (slightly) discounted price.
In my kids school, they were all given book tokens and after school the foyer was full of books for sale.
On top of the book tokens I spent £25 on books my kids chose.
The dressing up was all motivation.
I think one of the best things we ever did as parents was telling our son that whenever he wanted a book, we would buy it. This was not the case with toys and video games.
Parenting is hard enough without this guilt trip! It's very very hard to get reluctant readers to read, so perhaps you can share your strategies for success?
Modelling reading, trips to book shops & libraries, buying books that they like, watching film versions together, reading together at bed time, discussions about books and their ideas. If kids aren't readers none of this works so if you have a reader it's not down to your efforts, it's down to them.
And yet they have to read in some form or fail most of their exams, so, in the end, allowing them not to read is not an option and hardly any school or parent accepts that scenario.
You were talking about reading books, i.e. fostering a love of literature. Nothing to do with allowing them not to read. Kids that don't read books can still read and pass exams.
At 8 yrs old, they can read anything they want, as long as they read. Even my v reluctant twin has finally found stuff she likes. It isn't easy, but I we keep trying.
I’m a teacher. This day irritates me so much. Love the idea but the costumes of sports players and superheroes drive me mad. It should be about the love of reading. If you can’t make your own costume of a book you loved reading, don’t bother! 😂
New head at youngests primary school BINNED all books in the library and bought new books, downsized to around half the number of books previously & got rid of the school music room (SKIPPED the instruments) tucked away at the back of the school & moved the library in there instead.
Our 15 year old daughter had the reading age of a 16 year old when she was 11 and has read thousands of books.
Our 13 year old son loved having stories read to him but now has no interest in reading himself. You can't force it on people.
Although initial access is vital for developing a love of it.
Ah Brian. It is posts such as this (and also formally on twitter) that make SM a joy. You have a superb ability to observe and comment on simple, everyday subjects .... and normally nailing it. Thanks. Take care.
Agree completely. As someone who volunteers in a primary school helping children to read it is so disheartening that so many parents can’t be bothered and think it isn’t their ‘job’
Comments
At my local Asda min half an aisle is dedicated to books. Half of which are children’s. Sometimes it is more!
They also sell them at a (slightly) discounted price.
On top of the book tokens I spent £25 on books my kids chose.
The dressing up was all motivation.
Never throw books away.
You can say it's coercive, but it works with mine
What have you tried?
a book.
What a win 🤦♂️
Our 13 year old son loved having stories read to him but now has no interest in reading himself. You can't force it on people.
Although initial access is vital for developing a love of it.