New research shows that children are less interested in reading and writing for pleasure. Pearson's Danny Cuttell shares the findings and reminds us why it's a skill (and joy) we mustn't let slip.
Over the years, studies have indicated that extra-curricular reading, and positive attitudes towards the skill, mean higher scores on reading assessments – and that being able to read for pleasure is more important for educational success than socio-economic status. Yet academic success is only part of the story.
Time and again, research has indicated that the benefits of reading and writing for pleasure are also manifold in terms of personal development, helping children to learn empathy, build their understanding of others, tackle key social topics, and process challenging life events . Clearly, these attributes are to be encouraged among pupils, whether through class-based reading and writing initiatives, or school-wide challenges like Pearson’s My Twist on a Tale competition, or other creative alternatives.
It’s this fun and creativity that is to be nurtured and extended. By keeping learners engaged in the skills of reading and writing for pleasure, we set them up not only for enjoyment in the present, but a path of personal fulfilment that could last a lifetime.
Danny Cuttell is Head of English, Drama and Languages at Pearson UK.
