Literacy news
Parents persuade children to read using incentives
3 Nov 2010
Almost half of parents persuade their children to read using incentives , a survey suggests. Parents are using TV, the computer and sweets as incentives to encourage their children to read, according to a poll commissioned by an education publishing firm.
It found that both teachers and parents believe that increased access to technology is turning children off reading.
More than half of parents (57.2%) said they were concerned that digital media is replacing reading, while three in four (76.6%) believe it is more difficult for their child to spend time learning to read, with all the other distractions available, than it was when they were growing up.
A third of parents (32.4%) admit they only allow their child to watch TV or use the computer after reading, while one in 10 (9.6%) gives their child treats such as sweets or chocolate. A further 5.9% say they use other rewards.
Both parents and teachers (65.3% and 84% respectively) think children would read more if they could access some elements of their school reading programme on the computer.
The poll also asked children for their views on reading, and found that many were more likely to play games on the computer, surf the internet or watch TV than read a book.
Read more on the Daily Mail website.
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