What does research reveal about reading for pleasure?
For some, reading may be a leisure activity reserved for holidays or bedtime. However, when it comes to children's learning development, the benefits of reading are immeasurable.
The Department of Education's Research evidence on reading for pleasure confirms the substantial advantages for children who consistently engage in and enjoy reading throughout their developmental years and into adulthood.
The research highlights the key benefits of reading for pleasure, citing Clark and Douglas (2000), who found that "evidence suggests there is a positive relationship between reading frequency, reading enjoyment and attainment."
These findings are further corroborated by research from The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2006, which examined data from school children aged 9 to 10.
This study reveals that children who read stories or novels outside of school "every day or almost every day" score significantly higher in assessments compared to those who do so only once or twice a week.
As these studies confirm, reading has a significant impact on broader academic achievement. Teachers and parents play a crucial role in modelling effective reading strategies that can shape a child's long-term reading habits.
Key benefits of reading
Unsurprisingly, reading offers multiple benefits, especially reading for pleasure. Some of the most noteworthy advantages for children include:
- Strong correlation with higher academic achievement, particularly in vocabulary, spelling, and mathematics
- Improved cognitive development, including enhanced empathy and critical thinking skills
- Reduced symptoms of depression, lower stress levels, and improved mental wellbeing
- Exposure to diverse cultures and life experiences, enhancing social skills
- Increased likelihood of reading frequently and exploring varied genres or topics
With 25% of children leaving primary school in 2021 unable to read properly, experts believe that closing the reading gap is crucial for improving reading engagement, broadening vocabularies, and fostering a stronger affinity for learning.
Supporting children with reading
Research and practical evidence demonstrate several methods that help children become more confident readers who read frequently and develop a love for diverse literature.
Here are four key factors that support children in reading for pleasure:
1. Choice
Allowing students to choose their own books or reading materials increases enjoyment and motivation to continue reading. Gambrell (1996) found that when asked about their favourite book, 80% of children cited one they had chosen themselves.
Offering choice in the classroom, providing regular access to libraries or book boxes, and encouraging reading at home can all boost a child's enjoyment of and engagement with reading.
2. Incentives and rewards
As every teaching professional knows, offering rewards helps children focus on their objectives and encourages participation.
Celebrating reading achievements through reading charts linked to reward programs builds confidence and demonstrates to students that reading matters.
3. A positive reading environment
Dedicating time to reading every day shows students that it's integral to their learning and development. Some schools have designated reading periods at the start or end of the day to help students focus and expand their imagination.
Comfortable reading spaces, such as book corners with cosy seating, enable children to relax and read for pleasure.
4. Appropriate resources
The strongest factor in a child's reading development is having books at home. Owning books, for both primary and secondary students, is a powerful tool in nurturing passionate and committed readers.
Schools involved in book programs that offer books to children at different stages of their education create access for students who don't have books at home.
Taking students to libraries introduces them to book borrowing, allowing them to access books they want to read at any time, free of charge.
Promoting reading at the secondary level
Reading confidently is key to success across all subject areas at secondary school. Students who can skim and scan texts to identify responses for assessment or comprehension questions will more quickly consolidate their knowledge and understanding.
Adopting active reading strategies supports a deeper critical understanding of reading comprehension and enhances vital reading skills. This reading strategies checklist is ideal for encouraging wider reading and helping students reflect on their preferred methods of decoding texts.
If your students need to practice their reading skills and learn to interact more analytically with texts, explore the excellent resources in our comprehension library. You'll find a rich collection of comprehension activities that help students feel more confident when tackling reading-based assessments in any subject.
References
Clark, C., & Douglas, J. (2000). Young People's Reading and Writing: An In-depth Study Focusing on Enjoyment, Behaviour, Attitudes and Attainment. National Literacy Trust.
Department for Education. (2012). Research evidence on reading for pleasure.
Gambrell, L. B. (1996). Creating classroom cultures that foster reading motivation. The Reading Teacher, 50(1), 14-25.
Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS). (2006). PIRLS 2006 International Report.
