Balls Seeks Reading Revolution
There needs to be “a national revolution” in children’s reading at school and at home, says England’s Schools Secretary, Ed Balls. He is keen to make a book at bedtime a routine and feels that just 10 minutes of reading a day could make the difference to a child’s future and instil a love of books.
Launching the National Year of Reading he called for a focus on events outside the school gates as well as within. Mr Balls said: “Literacy levels have been improving steadily over the last 10 years but there is still work to be done, especially in getting those kids really struggling up to standard. Along with schools and the education community, I urge parents, publishers, authors, broadcasters, celebrities, employers and local communities to come on board and make 2008 something really special.”
TV presenters Richard and Judy appear to have headed Mr Balls’ call already and are to launch a children’s version of their Channel Four show’s book club.
Standards in children’s reading have been edging up over the last few years, with 84% of 11-year-olds achieving the required reading standards this year. However, this is only an increase of one percentage point since 200, and on average boys’ reading and writing abilities still fall consistenly below girls’.
23rd Oct 2007
