News
New survey reveals that children are missing out on bedtime stories
30 Apr 2010
A new survey from Oxford University Press of 300 teachers has discovered that more than half believe many children in their classes have never been read a bedtime story.
The lack of storytelling at home is damaging children's writing abilities, the researchers believe.
Pie Corbett, literary expert and former primary head teacher, said:
''To develop children as writers, reading is absolutely essential.
''Every teacher knows the best writers, the most proficient writers, are always readers. It not only gives children language, it also develops their imaginations.
''Storytelling is also hugely important, as the ability to tell a story is developed by building up a bank of well-known tales to draw upon.
''Those who struggle may not yet have built up that storehouse. For example, if they are not read to at home, they are unfamiliar with the language patterns.
''Narrative is a necessary, primary act of mind and natural to all human beings - we are all story-makers whether we like it or not.''
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