Nurturing enjoyment of reading

Children’s enjoyment of reading can have a powerful impact on their engagement with learning, in fact the OECD3 reports that reading enjoyment is a more significant factor in children’s educational success than their socio-economic background.

Pupils who enjoy reading also have higher wellbeing and lower anxiety than their peers – and children recognise the benefits too. When asked to indicate why they read, children answered with reasons relating to wellbeing including: it helps them relax and it makes them feel happy.4

92%

of teachers noticed an increase in children’s reading enjoyment

“Children's enjoyment of reading has skyrocketed. Children look forward to their reading sessions and are more communicative.” Teacher at a partner school “Children enjoyed having that special time to play games and read with an adult.” Teacher at a partner school

“Their whole demeanour has changed. They circled the happy face on a page where we talked about their favourite book/poem/game (without being asked).” Bookmark volunteer