Children with short attention spans 'failing to read books'
More than four-in-10 teachers said children failed to read for pleasure at the age of 11, it emerged.
The study – by the publisher Pearson – found that many schools fear children have short attention spans and prefer to spend time online rather than reading a novel.
Teachers also said that books were not seen as “cool” by pupils and raised fears that parents are failing to do enough to promote a love of reading in the home.
» via The Telegraph
Many of our program kids are completely bored by the idea of reading. So far, some of the most successful “gateway” tools to get them back into reading for recreation have been the -ology series of books (Pirateology, Wizardology, etc.), which include little interactive, almost gimmicky pieces to their pages; DK-style guides to fictional universes, which draw the kids in with huge maps and images and lead them to the text with new curiosity; and choose-your-own-adventure books.
Once they discovered those books existed, they WANTED to go to the library. They’re excited about going now. It makes me incredibly happy to see them so eager just to fish through all titles.
A few of the oldest students who have reading difficulties have also started latching on to audiobooks.
(via girlwithalessonplan)
