Love of reading 'boosts educational development'
23rd October 2009
Encouraging children to pick up books by authors such as J.K. Rowling and Lemony Snicket could help them in their school lives, an expert has suggested.
Nick Batty, project manager of the Reading Champions campaign at the National Literacy Trust, claimed that instilling a love of reading in young children is 'absolutely essential' to their educational development.
'As well as developing vital literacy skills that can benefit them in the longer term, reading also gives a child the opportunity to develop their creative imagination,' he explained.
The expert also cited previous research which showed that children from families that share a passion of reading perform better at school, regardless of their socio-economic background.
In addition, Mr Batty said that any form of reading can improve a youngster's literacy skills, recommending parents consider not just giving them access to books but magazines, comics and websites.
The National Literacy Trust's Reading Champions campaign aims to increase the number of primary and secondary pupils who enjoy reading. As part of the scheme, students encourage their peers to pick up a book.