The Importance of Reading
Do you remember your first experience of reading?
For some, there will be beaming faces recalling an inspirational parent or teacher, or the awe with which you were struck with due to special storytelling! For others, there will be some furrowed brows as the experience was fraught with the fear of failure, or the boredom etched on some faces because it was treated like a chore.
At James Brindley Academy, we know how fundamental these experiences are in shaping a young person’s belief in themselves and in shaping the world in which they live.
That is why we believe in thinking differently about how we approach reading. We won’t communicate with our young people that ‘one size fits all’ or that ‘you must read one hundred pages every day’ because this isn’t realistic, it isn’t fair and, moreover, it isn’t how long-lasting memories are created.
Instead, we place reading and its importance at the heart of our curriculum.
We model how reading is essential as a life-long skill but, also, how it unlocks doors to mindfulness, wellbeing and success. By accessing reading in lessons across the curriculum, we want to empower pupils to build confidence, develop their vocabulary and deepen their thinking so they can express themselves in a respectful and effective way.
To develop independence in reading, we support our young people by:
- Encouraging daily reading habits
- Helping pupils to read and access a range of texts and text types
- Developing a culture where reading is valued, shared and celebrated
Our young people are encouraged to be curious – to ask about the book their teacher/key worker is reading or if something can be recommended for them. Our young people are encouraged to imagine different perspectives, future prospects and whole new worlds – where they can challenge themselves and feel emboldened to do so.
Young people at James Brindley Academy
You need to know that every time you read – whether it is in lessons or when you pick up a text to read for your own pleasure – you are significantly increasing your chances of better mental health and performing well academically. There is something for everyone – and I truly mean everyone! Pick up a novel, a comic or read an article – just ten minutes a day can transform your life.
“Ten minutes?” I hear you gasp.
No problem. To get started, rather than ten, why don’t you try five minutes? To borrow a famous supermarket slogan, “Every little helps!” And guess what? It really does!
Parents/Carers
You need to know that your support makes an incredible difference. When you read together, talk about books or – even better – encourage regular reading time at home, this has an immense impact on your child’s confidence and progress. If it is something you would like to support at home with but are unsure of how to do this, then please always get in touch with your child’s teachers/key workers or myself.
Together, we can build a James Brindley Academy Community: where reading is not just something you have to do – but something you want to do and, even, love.