We know the obvious and less obvious benefits children can glean from developing a life-long love of reading – the widening and deepening of knowledge and understanding, the ability to empathise, to explore and discover, to be comforted, excited and challenged, to spur confidence and creativity. Like many storymakers, I speak of all this often in the hope that we provoke debate and ultimately contribute to the enriching of children’s lives, and life chances, through a love of stories. That’s my hope.
I can bemoan the closing of libraries, the homes where parents don’t read to their children, the schools where stories are used simply as fodder for teaching literacy to the test. I could blame successive governments who have indulged in short-termism in their education policies and insist that measurable outcomes and results are the be-all and end-all of the education process, who often make a chore out of reading and succeed so often only in banishing enjoyment. But that would be passing the buck.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
