In South Africa, the ability to read for meaning is a critical skill that eludes many children.
According to the Reading Panel 2030 report a staggering 78% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning in any language. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need to foster a love of reading among learners to ensure their academic success and personal development.
“Reading is foundational to learning and personal growth. It enhances vocabulary, improves comprehension and stimulates imagination,” said Kassandra Strydom, foundation-phase academic advisor at ADvTECH.
“Moreover, reading is linked to better academic performance across all subjects. For South Africa, where educational disparities are significant, promoting reading can be a powerful tool to bridge the gap and empower future generations.
Strydom emphasised that in a world dominated by social media and mobile devices, keeping a child’s interest in reading can be challenging. However, she underscored that this was a vital responsibility for parents.
“By integrating reading into daily life from a young age, and making it an enjoyable activity, parents can help their children develop a lifelong love for reading, in this way improving their prospects of personal and academic achievement,” she said.
Strydom noted the findings of the report highlighted the critical need for efforts to ensure all children in South Africa can read for meaning by 2030. And while the Department of Education committed itself to addressing challenges identified in the report at a recent session at which Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube delivered the keynote address, the mammoth task cannot be left to teachers alone, she said.
“Schools and teachers play an important role in teaching learners to read, but few are equipped to instil a genuine love for reading by the time children begin formal education,” Strydom said. “This essential passion must be nurtured at home to create a supportive environment where students can thrive once they master their ABCs.”
Strydom said parents play a pivotal role in nurturing a child’s love for reading. She shared some tips on how to go about it.
Creating a reading-friendly environment and leading by example
Second-hand books are often very affordable and libraries are free, making it easy for families to fill their homes with a diverse selection that caters to their child’s interests and reading level.
Choosing books together can be a fun and exciting activity, providing valuable parent-child bonding time. Once the books have been selected engaging in paired or shared reading experiences can enhance this connection.
Creating opportunities to read together in a relaxed and intimate setting – whether snuggled on the couch or curled up in bed – makes reading feel special. This not only fosters a love for reading, but also connects the activity to positive emotions and quality time spent together.
By modelling positive reading habits and setting aside dedicated reading time each day, parents can help cultivate a lifelong passion for books in their children.
Using technology wisely
Excessive screen time can negatively impact children’s development, prompting many schools to limit mobile-phone usage to create more focused learning environments. To balance screen time at home families can implement “reading timeouts” that benefit both child and parent.
While there are numerous reading apps and platforms that can make reading engaging, it’s important to choose those that offer personal learning pathways, allowing children to explore content beyond just reading.
These apps can foster deeper engagement with reading material by connecting it to real-world situations and encouraging critical thinking. However, it’s essential to also incorporate non-screen reading to ensure children develop a well-rounded love for literature alongside their digital experiences.
Making reading an interactive experience
When fostering a love for reading, it’s important to ensure that the experience is interactive.
Encourage children to engage with books before diving into the text by taking time for “picture walks”, where they can flip through pages and explore the illustrations. This approach helps minimise distractions and prepares them for a more focused reading experience.
Consider using the “5 W” principle – asking who, what, when, where, and why questions about the book – to spark discussion and curiosity.
Before reading, ask children what they think the story might be about, and always include the follow-up question: “How do you know that?”
This encourages them to articulate their thoughts and develops metacognition – thinking about their thinking – making the reading experience richer and more meaningful.
