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Children’s literacy skills survive the summer heat
25 Aug 2008
National Literacy Trust (NLT) research announced today reveals the importance of choice and interest in developing reading habits. The charity’s WHSmith Summer Read taking place across the UK is based on the principles explored in the research.
The WHSmith Summer Read, funded by the WHSmith Trust and organised by the NLT’s Reading is Fundamental (RIF), uses the power of choice at fun events to encourage children to keep reading during the summer holidays. The NLT’s RIF initiative combines a series of creative events and allows children to choose the book they are able to keep, an approach that is unique within the UK.
The research, “Interesting Choice: a review of the importance of choice and interest in reader engagement”, finds that choice is crucial in motivating children to read as it can result in more meaningful and consistent involvement with texts while pupils that have read something they have chosen will be inclined to repeat the enjoyable experience. This report also highlights that struggling readers will show effort and persistence when reading self-selected texts, and the importance of targeting children’s interests when providing or discussing texts.
The WHSmith Summer Read, now in its fourth successful year, holds events during the summer holidays for children in areas of disadvantage. The summer months are key for literacy as children’s reading skills have been shown to deteriorate during the school break. Children will choose their books at local events, which will feature fun activities such as storytelling, crafts and fancy dress. This year, over 7,000 books will be given away.
Kate Swann, chief executive, WHSmith, who joined a Summer Read in Swindon said:
Our involvement with the RIF Summer Read has been a fantastic experience and we’re very pleased to support the project again in 2008. The events are always great fun not only for the children, but for our staff who attend to lend a hand and help the children choose their books.
Through the National Literacy Trust, we’re able to reach out to children in diverse locations, helping them to enjoy reading books in the summer.”
Judith Parke, director of NLT project Reading is Fundamental, said:
This new research confirms that we are on the right track and builds on our core aim to inspire a love of reading in children to encourage life-long reading habits and help to address the cycle of underachievement.
The research shows not only that choice is important but that to gain real advantage, children need to be confident during the decision-making process and may need support to do so.
Through our work with practitioners and the continued support of our funders, RIF UK is able to provide UK children not only with great books to choose from, but with a fun and supportive environment in which to do so.”
The WHSmith Summer Read is based on the wider RIF UK initiative, which coordinates local literacy projects in disadvantaged areas that promote the fun of reading, the importance of book choice and the benefits of families sharing books at home. In 2008, the WHSmith Summer Read will hold a total of 100 events in 17 locations, reaching out to a total of 3,500 children. To date, RIF UK has given more than 863,000 books to over to over a quarter of a million children living in disadvantaged areas.
ends
Notes to editors:
1. About the research
"Interesting choice - a review of the importance of choice and interest in reader engagement"
Christina Clark and Caroline Phythian-Sence, July 2008
The paper combines the research evidence about the importance of choice and interest in reading activities with the practical aspect of this topic and explores the strategies that could be used to make choice meaningful and to engage interest most effectively. It can be found in full here: www.literacytrust.org.uk/research/Interesting%20_choice_Final.pdf
The National Literacy Trust's policy and research work aims to improve literacy attitudes, habits and skills by influencing policy and practice. Underpinning our work is a commitment to evidence-based policy and practice in order to empower learners of all ages and support professionals. In order to develop cutting-edge practice that really does change lives, we also listen to the views and opinions of children, young people, their parents and practitioners through our survey work and project evaluations.
2. About the Summer Read
The WHSmith Trust/Reading Is Fundamental, UK Summer Read began in 2005. It aims to encourage children to enjoy reading over the long summer break. Last year’s project had a very positive effect on children’s reading, with 90 per cent of projects reporting an improvement in children’s attitudes to reading.
2. About WHSmith Charitable Trust
The WHSmith Charitable Trust is an independent charity (registered charity no. 1013782). The Trust has two principal objectives: to support the local community in which WHSmith staff and customers live and work; and to support education and lifelong learning. The charity plays an important role in enabling WHSmith to be at the heart of the local communities it serves and is an ideal fit with the WHSmith core values and brand.
3. About Reading Is Fundamental, UK (RIF)
RIF is an initiative of the National Literacy Trust that promotes a love of reading among children and young people (aged 0-19) from areas of disadvantage and gives them the chance to choose free new books to keep for themselves.
There are currently 300 RIF projects in locations across the UK. In 2007-08, RIF gave over 56,000 books to more than 20,000 children. Since 1996, RIF has given over 863,000 books to over 290,000 children. For more information, see www.rif.org.uk.
4. 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
The National Literacy Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, no. 1116260, and a company limited by guarantee, no. 5836486, Registered office: 68 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL.
For more information contact Emma Smyth on 020 7820 6256 or email emma.smyth@literacytrust.org.uk
5. 2008 National Year of Reading
The 2008 National Year of Reading is a year-long celebration of reading, in all its forms. It will help to build a greater national passion for reading – for children, families and adult learners alike. The Year will encourage people to read in businesses, homes, and communities around the country, providing new opportunities to read and helping people to access help and support through schools and libraries. The 2008 National Year of Reading is being managed by the National Literacy Trust and lead partner The Reading Agency. www.yearofreading.org.uk
6. Institute for Public Policy Research
Thursday’s Child – see www.ippr.org/articles/?id=3138
