Channing School on the importance of reading for pleasure

To that end, we have prioritised reading for pleasure this year.

Reading does many things: it gives us access to the store of human knowledge, it connects us to people and experiences across the world and across the ages and because of this, reading shapes who we are and moulds us into people who are capable of thinking critically, deeply and sensitively about the world. 

As you would expect, there is a positive correlation between reading for pleasure and literacy skills (improved vocabulary, greater reading proficiency. etc).

But what is perhaps more surprising is the research that shows a connection between reading for enjoyment and an enhanced ability to learn across the curriculum.

Dr Emma Hayward says there is a connection between reading for pleasure and literacy skills (Image: Channing School)

Research carried out by GL Assessment revealed a significant connection between reading ability and success in all GCSE subjects.

This is precisely why Alex Quigley, in his book Closing The Reading Gap, describes reading as ‘the master skill of school’ because it unlocks the academic curriculum for students. 

We know that the lack of wider reading, beyond those books required for school work, has an impact on all students’ academic progress.

It hampers their ability to decode exam questions and the clarity of their written expression, as well as limiting their vocabulary and their ability to analyse in depth.

Perhaps most worrying is the echo chamber they create for themselves by not being exposed to a range of ideas, perspectives and experiences beyond those pushed to them by the algorithm behind their social media feeds.

We also know, though, that there are lots of barriers to reading for pleasure.

The biggest one that students have reported to us is time: either they think reading is a waste of time when they should be revising for an upcoming test or catching up with homework, or they are distracted by their phones.

Certainly, their perception of reading as a solitary activity means that they feel that reading is an isolating activity that takes them away from connecting with their friends, whether in person or online. 

We need students to understand that reading time, whether in school or at home, is time well spent. We also know that time away from screens in the immediate period before lights out enhances the quality of sleep, which is an added incentive for reading before bed. 

Finally, we really want to motivate readers by pointing out that we are all readers too.

Asking for, and sharing, recommendations is a really simple start. In case you're interested, I’m currently reading Fair Play by Tove Jansson. Narrated through a series of linked vignettes, the novel follows the lives of Mari and Jonna - lifelong friends who live and work together on a small island off the coast of Finland.

While nothing much seems to happen, this is a deceptively quiet novel that offers up a radical portrait of female friendship, work and love.

What will you read this summer?

• Dr Emma Hayward is teacher of English and reading coordinator at Channing School, Highgate.