I’ve found out I’m apparently what’s called
a ‘mega reader’. That is someone who reads at least 50 books in a year. During
the month of January, I have read 7 books. They were all novels, and as such,
relatively easy to read. That said, they were highly enjoyable, with great plots
and characters It beats scrolling through TV channels trying to find something interesting
to watch. The simple fact is, I love reading. Always have. These days much of
my reading is done on my iPad, and although my virtual library is pretty large,
its not quite as satisfying as one I once had made up of real books.
I don’t just read novels. Last
week, for example, I discovered that 2026 is the UK National Year of Reading. It
is the third time there has been such a reading campaign – and this year the
focus is on all forms of reading options. Strangely, this year, it also
includes listening to audiobooks. Whilst Jane does this while working out at
her gym, it’s not something that appeals to me.
The campaign is aimed at all ages.
Interestingly, older folk (over 65) are more likely to be readers then others.
The number of books adults might read in a year varies greatly. Around 25% of
all adults reported they just read or listened to between one and five books a
year. A much smaller number (10%) of people said they would typically read
between 11 and 20 books in a year. Twice as many women and men are likely to be
regular readers. Sadly, 40% of the UK population reported that they hadn’t read
or listened to an audiobook at all in the past year.
I say sadly for a reason. This
year there is a particular emphasis on getting more children interested in
reading. The latest report from the National Literacy Trust (published in June
last year) showed that only one in three children aged 8- 18 enjoys reading. Research
suggest that low levels of reading for pleasure in childhood have been linked
to poor academic achievements and can have a negative impact on an individual’s
life chances.
Encouraging children to read is
one of the greatest gifts a parent can give their child. However, if parents are
not reading books themselves, it’s unlikely they will be reading to their children.
Reading to young children, even before they are able to talk, can help prepare
the neurological pathways for effective language use and literacy in later life.
Research from the Ohio State University showed that children who are read just
one book a day with their parents will hear about 290,000 more words by the age
of 5 than children who don’t regularly read books with a parent or some other
caregiver.
However, it’s not just about
words – reading can help the child gain a sense of perspective, and begin to understand
different contexts such physical settings, a zoo, farm, park, school, hospital
and so on. It can also help a child make sense of what they are feeling and
learn what their emotional response options might be. Of course, the simple act
of being together is obviously also a chance for parent/child bonding to occur.
There’s the rub. ‘Sure Start’
was one of the most successful health promoting programmes ever. But during a
period of economic downturn, the annual costs became more important than any long-term
gain, and its momentum stalled, and then stopped. Hopefully, the renewed recognition
of investing in our children today, set out in the First 1000 days report, will
help improve the future of our children’s and their families. Likewise, lets
hope the campaign to get children interested in reading once more helps each
child have a better future too.