COVID and Reading: More Children Read for Pleasure During Lockdown

The recent COVID pandemic took the world by surprise. Everyone suddenly had to live with the “new normal” where almost everything is done virtually. Because of the fear of the virus, everyone was forced to stay indoors and limit contact with other people. Schools were badly hit, and the kids were forced to continue school online and in a virtual classroom. 

To put it simply, COVID has changed the course of our lives, especially the lives of children. But, did you know that because of the mandatory isolation brought by the pandemic, a recent study by the National Literacy Trust shows that reading for pleasure among children actually increased during the lockdown? The study found that more than a quarter (27.6%) of children and young people surveyed for the study said that they are enjoying reading more during the lockdown. Moreover, the same study found out that children enjoyed reading adventure books and real-life books more. And, prefer to read new books that they have never read before. 

When children were forced to stay indoors for their safety, they had to get creative on how to spend their time. Many children switched to books for entertainment, which actually lead them to enjoy reading! As a parent, you aim to help your child read for pleasure because when they do, reading becomes so much more natural to them. When children read for pleasure, you do not have to force them to read, they will do so on their own because they actually enjoy reading! 

COVID and Reading: How To Help Your Child Read for Pleasure 

Children reading for pleasure is one of the positive effects of the lockdown. However, even with being forced to stay indoors, some children still reject books. 

If you are a parent, struggling with a reluctant reading, don’t lose hope. Many parents too have the same dilemma as you. The good news is there is actually something that you can do to help your child read for pleasure. 

1. 
   

   Let Them Choose the Book 

Stop and think: maybe it’s the book that they don’t like. Reluctant readers may be reluctant to read because they are simply not interested in the material that they are reading. Children like books that they can relate to, so the first step to getting them to read is to get them books that they actually like! Personalisation of books has also been shown to improve older children’s reading comprehension (personalised print books and family literacy outcomes, National Literacy Trust). Moreover, children actually prefer books that have personal relevance to them, a book that they can actually relate to. 

2. Spend Time Reading At Least 10 Minutes A Day 

Did you know that children look forward to storytime because of how they feel when they are reading with their parent/s? When you spend time with your child, reading with them for atleast 10 minutes a day, you are helping them get into the habit of reading. In fact, a study shows that children’s learning during shared reading is somewhat based on the parent’s ability to “bridge the child’s world and the books” (Bus, 2003). 

3. Choose Books That Are Relatable 

Another tip to help your child read for pleasure is that you help them choose books that they can actually relate to. Books with personalised elements leave a lasting impact on the child and it’s also easier to comprehend. In fact, the National Literacy Trust found that personalised books improve reading comprehension by 40%! In a different study, it has been found that children find reading difficult because of uninteresting materials. No wonder a personalised book is the best way to get your child to read for pleasure. 

4. Reward Them For Reading 

When your child finally picks up that book and reads it, reward them! Treat them to their favourite movie and take them to their favourite ice cream shop. Rewarding the child for a good deed actually validates their feelings and makes them think that what they did is actually good. However, be careful when giving the reward. You want the child to read for pleasure and not just read for the reward. So, make sure that they actually enjoy reading and then reward them for it! 

Reading is such as wonderful journey, and its benefits last a lifetime. Children who read have been found to be better at handling their emotions and are better at socialising with their peers. 

Make use of the time that the children are indoors, make it worthwhile by choosing more advantageous activities for them like reading books for pleasure. 

As a parent, you play an important role in the lives of your little ones. You have the power and influence to lead them to have a lifelong love for reading! It’s an investment that you do in early childhood that sets them up and gets them ready for life!