Parents “step back” from reading to their children when they go to school and expect teachers to instil a love of books instead, a report warned today.
Mothers and fathers read plenty of books to their children until they reach the age of five but then start seeing it as a skill to be learned at school rather than a pastime to be enjoyed. The study by children’s book publisher Egmont said that they need to be taught the “magic” of reading for pleasure and called on parents to help teachers to do this. Researchers studied the habits of 12 families and surveyed 1,000 parents. They found that as soon as children begin school they come to associate reading with work.
When they grasp the basic mechanics of reading, at seven or eight, parents retreat further. The report said: “It’s as if parents let go of their child’s hands too soon, at precisely the time they need to be actively involved. Many parents don’t realise the role they need to play.”
