The annual What Kids Are Reading report, authored by Professor Keith Topping of the University of Dundee for Renaissance Learning, has concluded that children, especially those in primary school and year seven, have been reading more challenging books during lockdown. The report, which covers the period August 2019 to July 2020, found that although there was a decline by 17% in the number of books read, ‘During the lockdown overall, pupils were tending to read longer books of greater difficulty and with greater comprehension. Having more time to read gave children the chance to immerse themselves in literature. Schools should encourage more reading time now that they are open again.’
Meanwhile the National Literacy Trust added that at the start of 2020 47.8% of children (from a survey of 58,000 children between 9-18) said they enjoyed reading, but during May and June, during the spring 2020 lockdown, this figure rose to 55.9%. Co-author of the report, Dr Christina Clark said, ‘Having more time to read and the increased autonomy of book choice, along with the opportunity to read for its own sake, were key reasons why more young people are enjoying being immersed in stories.’