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New research shows young people are reading more broadly than ever
23 Jan 2008
New research released by the National Literacy Trust reveals that the majority of children (71%) enjoy reading and rate themselves as proficient readers, but they are more likely to read magazines, websites and emails than fiction. The report suggests that a greater emphasis needs to be placed on the broad range of reading materials available, including new media, in order to engage more young people with reading.
Key findings:
- Many children who define themselves as non-readers in fact reported reading a range of non-traditional materials outside of school. These included magazines (67%) and websites (52%).
- What children like to read at home differs significantly from the material that they feel they are encouraged to read at school. When asked what they felt schools encouraged them to read at home, 77% of children said that they felt encouraged to read fiction, 67% said they felt encouraged to read factual books and 67% felt encouraged to read poetry. This contrasts with what they actually read at home: 53% reported reading fiction, 25% reported reading factual books and 21% reported reading poetry. The most popular materials read at home are magazines (67%), websites (63%) and emails (59%).
- Girls who define themselves as non-readers would benefit from extra support. These girls are likely to say that reading makes them feel bored and that readers are clever but boring. They would benefit from an initiative that promotes a wide range of materials and encourages them to read what they enjoy, similar to the Government’s recent ‘Boys into Books’ scheme.
Director of the National Literacy Trust Jonathan Douglas comments:
The research shows a real difference in what children feel they’re encouraged to read and what they actually read and, crucially, it also shows that many children may read a large range of texts without actually defining themselves as readers. We need to challenge people’s assumptions about reading and empower teachers and family so that they can promote a wide range of materials to help lay the foundations for a lifelong engagement with literacy and learning.”
National Year of Reading project director Honor Wilson-Fletcher says:
This study shows powerfully how there are many young people who do not consider themselves readers, but who are. All forms of reading count and open doors for young people. That’s why we are kicking off the National Year of Reading by starting a national conversation with young people to find out the reads they rate. We want them to tell us their reading likes and dislikes so we can inspire more to read and, ultimately, change the nation’s reading culture.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
1. About the research
1614 children were surveyed in 29 primary and secondary schools in England during 2007. The majority of respondents were aged 12/13 years. Key questions revolved around the reader self-concept, for example:
- To what extent do young people see themselves as readers?
- What does it mean to be a reader?
- What are the characteristics typically assigned to readers?
- What reading materials does a reader enjoy?
Analysis is based on 1143 pupils who defined themselves as ‘readers’ and 471 pupils who defined themselves as ‘non-readers’. However, as the findings show, a huge percentage of non-readers DO read, just not the kinds of materials that are traditionally associated with reading.
Full copies of the research report are available from the website.
2. About the National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that changes lives through literacy. It links home, school and the wider community to inspire learners and create opportunities for everyone. www.literacytrust.org.uk
3. About the National Year of Reading
The National Literacy Trust and The Reading Agency are leading a consortium of organisations committed to promoting reading to manage the National Year of Reading 2008 (NYR) on behalf of the DCSF.
The NYR will run from January to December 2008. From January to March organisations and authorities will be asked to take the Reading Challenge, to pledge and plan their support. Delivery of the NYR will be launched in April 2008.
