Children today don’t read enough. That is not just my opinion. It is a fact. Nearly 98% of primary school teachers are concerned that not enough ‘reading for pleasure’ is taking place at home.
In research done with 200 teachers and more than 1000 parents, glooming-looking statistics have come to light. In an era, where the video is trending (video consumption rises by 100% every year), researchers found barely any children still read at home. And it is showing in the class.
Let’s be honest, most children will learn to read in class. There is enough repetition for a kid to get a grasp on reading. But simply being able to learn to read is not enough.
“Books enable children to discover new worlds, meet new people and learn about the past, but they also have the power to transform lives.”
Cressida Cowell, author of How To Train Your Dragon
A NEW WORLD
Reading is about so much more than just being able to decode the black words on a white piece of paper or follow the boss’ instructions sent to you via email. Reading is about exploring new worlds, setting your imagination free and dreaming of the impossible becoming possible. And it is a skill children are lacking more and more. Because children are learning to read. Not learning to love reading.
In the research, teachers said, the language skills are painfully different between kids who read at home and those who only read in class. This goes a lot further. Children who are learning to read at home are usually the first to answer teachers’ questions, behave better in class and are less stressed.
The language skills are painfully different between kids who read at home and those who only read in class.
On the other side of the coin, only 33% of parents are happy with the amount of time they spend reading with their children. Even though more than two-thirds of these parents say, reading with their own parents is a treasured childhood memory. So the simple formula would be: Spend more time reading with your children. You have just admitted you have very fond memories of you reading with your parents. Why not give your kid the same pleasure that you had as a child?
I understand we live in a fast-paced world. In a world where time is a luxury resource. But you can have a career and still help your child learn to read. Break down the learning process into shorter, 15-minute sessions and read with your child every day. This will provide the practice your child needs when learning to read and will not interfere with your working schedule. Most importantly, it will give your child something to look forward to every day. And when learning to read, motivation just might be all you need.
Break down the learning process into shorter, 15-minute sessions and read with your child every day.
PROBLEMS WITH MOTIVATION
In our study, almost 9 in 10 parents emphasized that motivation is a crucial aspect of learning to read. They acknowledged that when their children are motivated, they can master anything their teachers throw at them. But when the motivation is lacking, there is almost nothing anyone can do to get them to learn.
But how to motivate a child to read, when there are YouTube videos and engaging mobile games that are much more fun than a static book? Even libraries acknowledged they can’t bring new readers in with simple books. They are looking for alternative solutions, such as educational games in VR and Xbox playing arenas, just to get pupils through their doors.
The problems with motivation are especially visible with children who struggle to learn to read.
The problems with motivation are especially visible with children who struggle to learn to read. This is a common problem. 1 child in 4 has issues with learning to read. Learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, cause all sorts of problems for a struggling reader. Among that, a severe lack of motivation. People don’t like doing what we are not good at. Children especially.
Learn how to improve motivation with our Learn To Read: A Comprehensive Guide For Parents
OVERCOMING THE ISSUES
Every child learns differently. The key is to get your child liking the experience of reading. Hence this article’s title. Get your child to learn to love reading. His motivation will do the rest. How to get her to love reading? That really depends on the child. Some prefer pure reading, some like being read to, others need more creative techniques. There are several methods available that can help you find the right approach.
94,67% of struggling readers who have tried Kobi, said the letter-coloring method used in Kobi makes reading easier for them.
At Hopalai, we believe giving your child a unique reading experience certainly helps. 94,67% of struggling readers who have tried Kobi, said the letter-coloring method used in Kobi makes reading easier for them. Additionally, reading from a tablet raises motivation as well. The whole app is designed to invoke higher motivation, which leads to more practice. And we all know, practice makes perfect.
