Now that the Christmas holidays are over and all new games have been tried and conquered, all new videos and DVDs have been watched for the second or third time and all batteries have run out of juice, it is time to get back to what really matters 'reading'. The festive season can play havoc with the habit of reading. Late nights, guests staying over, new toys to play with and general tiredness can have killed the routine of settling down in bed with a book in hand. But now is the time to renew that practice before the habit is lost forever. Why is it so important? Well firstly research has shown a strong association between regular reading habits and academic success. As children progress through their academic career, they are required to read an increasing number of educational books to assimilate ideas and information so those not used to reading will find it a daunting prospect. Secondly those children who can learn to find pleasure in a good book can, as adults, use reading as a way to unwind and relax, sometimes often difficult to do in this busy age we live in.
During key stage 1, up until the end of year 3, children are moving from learning the rudiments of reading to tackling stories confidently on their own. As soon as they have that confidence, then they can be encouraged to choose a book and settle down to read a page or two each day although of course some children will want to immerse themselves in books and need encouragement to go outside to play.
During key stage 2, children will begin to read increasingly more challenging and lengthy texts and as they do so the number of pages they should be encouraged to read each day can be increased.
Recommendations for key stage 2 are:
Year 4 - minimum of 2 pages a day (14 pages a week).
Year 5 - minimum of 3 pages a day (21 pages a week).
Year 6 - minimum of 5 pages a day (35 pages a week).
During key stage 3, children will read a progressively wider range of texts both for pleasure and for study.
Recommendations for key stage 3 are:
Year 7 - minimum of 6 pages a day (42 pages a week)
Year 8 - minimum of 8 pages a day (56 pages a week)
Year 9 - minimum of 10 pages a day (90 pages a term)
(It is hoped that that at least 4 books a term will be read by this stage)
Don't forget that these suggestions are the minimum amount and that many children will read much more. It is also sometimes better to read for longer and therefore perhaps less often, if reading little and often means that the storyline becomes confusing and stilted. Completing a chapter a night may be the best aim even though you might have to help a little by finishing it off if the chapter is long or your child reads too slowly. But above all remember reading is supposed to be for pleasure.
