Children Read More When Books Match Their Interests, Study Finds
By Education Correspondent
Children who struggle with reading are more likely to pick up a book for pleasure if it matches their interests, according to new research from UWE Bristol.
The study found that interest-driven book choices – including titles linked to football, TV shows, Lego and art – were the strongest factor influencing whether developing readers aged eight and nine chose to read for enjoyment.
Researcher Leah Dowty, a senior lecturer in primary education at UWE Bristol, interviewed nine lower-attaining readers at a Bristol primary school who regularly read for fun, aiming to understand what motivates them.
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While previous studies have shown that weaker readers often have lower motivation to read, the research focused on children who bucked that trend and actively chose reading as a leisure activity.
Seven of the nine pupils said personal interests or familiarity with a topic played the biggest role in selecting books.
Graphic novels and illustrated books were also popular, with children preferring books they felt confident reading independently.
The study identified four other key factors that encouraged reading for pleasure: recommendations from friends, dedicated reading time at home or school, teacher read-aloud sessions, and access to books that matched a child's reading ability.
Ms Dowty said the findings highlighted the need for schools to take a more personalised approach to encouraging reading, particularly among children who find it challenging.
She said: "The most relevant motivational approach for educators to consider is understanding each child's unique reading identity and the way they view themselves as a reader."
She hopes the research will help shape future education policy at a time when children's reading for pleasure levels are at record lows.
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The study adds to growing evidence that giving children greater choice and access to books they genuinely enjoy could play a key role in developing lifelong reading habits.
The full academic paper, entitled ‘It's Been Quite Surprising to See Them Actually Reading’: What Motivates ‘Developing’ Readers in an English Inner-City Class to Read for Pleasure?, can be accessed in the journal Literacy.
