Encouraging Pupils To Read


Reading time: < 1

Hanna Beech

Hanna Beech has been teaching for ten years and has a range of experience across Key Stages 1 and 2 in a large Primary School in Kent. She is a phase leader for Years 3 and 4, and also leads on teaching and learning for...
Read more about Hanna Beech

How can we encourage a love of reading in our pupils?

This is a question schools often ask. As educators, we know the value of getting pupils to read, but do our pupils understand the many benefits? Why not share what we know with our pupils by telling them the real reasons to read.

Reasons to Love Reading

  • First and foremost, remind students that reading is not only fun, but also explain that it has a positive impact on our learning.
  • Share with them that both fiction and non-fiction develops knowledge and explain how this helps them connect ideas.
  • Discuss that reading helps us to learn new words and phrases we can use in our everyday conversations or writing.
  • Explain how it also allows us to explore things we may not be able to experience first-hand and helps us to develop empathy too.
  • Tell them that the more they read, the better their comprehension and spelling of tricky words will be.
  • Studies have shown that reading for fun can improve your ability in writing and in other subjects like maths too. Share this fact.

Why is it a good strategy?

Children truly want to do well. If we are upfront with what research tells us about the benefits of reading it gives pupils a chance to see it as an investment in their learning.

Tip

Give specific examples for how each ‘real reason to read’ will benefit them later in life. Example: when you have a job interview, using a rich range of vocabulary will help you stand out and more likely to get the job!


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