Grantham bookshop urges families to make time for reading as enjoyment hits 20-year low
The initiative comes as the government launches the National Year of Reading to boost children’s literacy and wellbeing
A Grantham bookshop is encouraging families to make reading a daily habit, as new figures show reading for pleasure among children is at its lowest level in a generation.
The Reading Room runs weekly storytelling sessions for pre-school children, aimed at sparking a love of books from an early age.
Tutor and storyteller Jo Cox says the children are fully immersed during the sessions. “They’re engaged. They sit, they listen, they will contribute to the story,” she said. “They’re predicting, they’re joining in. They’re just absorbed in it, and it’s just an amazing experience for everybody.”
Owner Laura Van Boven says reading plays a vital role in family life. “It forms bonds within families,” she said.
"In my opinion, saying there are a lot of distractions is a bit of an excuse."
"Parents need to be putting the effort into making time for reading, just in the same way that you would put time into making sure that your children go outside and get fresh air every day or go to school on time.”
Laura says making reading part of a routine can make all the difference. “ It is literally like brushing our teeth or having our breakfast in the morning,” she said.
The National Year of Reading has been launched after government-backed research found reading for pleasure is linked to stronger literacy, improved confidence and better wellbeing.
New data also shows children who are proficient readers in primary school go on to earn tens of thousands of pounds more over their lifetime, while those who fall behind are more likely to struggle at school and beyond.