The latest data from children ages 6–17, as collected for the 8th edition of the Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report, reconfirms that reading books for fun, as well as positive sentiment towards reading, decrease as kids grow up, with marked declines by age nine that do not rebound. This report has been tracking these reading attitudes and behaviors since 2010, finding both a long-term decline in frequent readers as well as a beneficial relationship between a child’s reading frequency and their own feelings of enjoyment.
Learn more at scholastic.com/readingreport, where with this data we explore:
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Reading frequency and enjoyment, and the importance of access to books kids want and parent support in engaging young readers.
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The growing battle for mind and culture share as participation in digital activities rises sharply.
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The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on kids’ mental health and the role literacy plays in mental wellness
And be sure to bookmark and read some of the latest think pieces on the growing base of research around the current state of literacy for kids:
- District Administration: How educators can strengthen summer reading connections with families, by Dr. Amanda Alexander
- Psychology Today: The Mental Health Benefits of Literacy, by Dr. Linda Mayes
- The Washington Post: Here’s How to Get Kids Reading Again, by Alyssa Rosenberg
