New figures show that children are now more likely to own a mobile phone
than a book.
The National Literacy Trust is concerned about the fact that more and more
children and parents are struggling with reading. The Trust suggests that
there is a link between a child’s access to books at home and their test
scores at school.
Some research carried out at Nevada University in the US found that
children who are brought up in homes where books and reading were
commonplace, stayed in education for three years longer than others. Other
research found that children with better-than-expected reading skills were
likely to own their own books.
The National Literacy Trust says that parents should read with their
children to help them develop. Reading at home is good for parents and
children alike and can help literacy among all members of a family.
Jonathan Douglas, the director of the Trust, said, “By ensuring children
have access to reading materials in the home and by encouraging children to
love reading, families can help them to do well at school and to enjoy
opportunities throughout their life."
Many adults struggle with reading and find it hard to enjoy books with
their children. Anyone with literacy problems can take an adult literacy
course to help them enhance their own lives and boost their child’s reading
skills.
Reading with your children is a great way to improve their maths and
English skills.
Get your hands on Where did the River Go? - a free book to support
parents reading with their children. 