Discover how declining reading skills affect your child’s school performance, focus, and mental health, plus 7 tips to build strong reading habits.
Why Reading Habits Matter for Children’s Success
A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Psychological Medicine revealed a strong link between early reading for pleasure and children’s academic performance. Put simply: children who develop the habit of reading for fun perform better at school.
Additional Benefits of Reading for Children
Commenting on the above study, Forbes also reported that kids who engage in reading for by the age of nine also enjoy better mental health, less screen time, and longer, more restful sleep compared to their counterpart who start later or not at all. This means reading does more than improve grades, it nurtures healthier lifestyles.
According to the same study, children who read for pleasure show:
- Fewer signs of stress, depression, and anxiety
- Stronger attention span and focus
- Reduced behavioral issues such as aggression or rule-breaking
- Healthier screen habits during adolescence
- Better sleep quality and longer rest
A co-author of the study, Professor Barbara Sahakian from Cambridge University emphasized:
“Reading isn’t just a pleasurable experience – it’s widely accepted that it inspires thinking and creativity, increases empathy, and reduces stress. But on top of this, we found significant evidence that it’s linked to important developmental factors in children, improving their cognition, mental health, and brain structure—cornerstones for future learning and well-being.”
What This Means for Parents
If you’ve ever admired kids who read dozens of books yearly and consistently excel in school, it’s time to move beyond admiration and give your child the same experience. A strong reading culture at home may not always be easy to build but it’s one of the most powerful investments you can make in your child’s future.
Here are 7 practical strategies to help your child develop a lifelong love for reading.
7 Proven Strategies to Build Healthy Reading Habits in Your Child
1. Be a Reader Yourself
Children mirror what they see. A 2023 study by BookTrust found that 76% of children aged 0–7 whose parents enjoy reading also love to read. Make reading visible at home, even if it’s just a few minutes daily.
2. Let Them Choose Their Books
When children select their own books, they’re more excited and motivated to finish them. This builds a sense of ownership and joy in reading.
3. Read Together Regularly
Bedtime stories, weekend book sessions, or shared family reading all strengthen emotional bonds while creating a positive reading environment.
4. Create a Mini Home Library
You don’t need an entire room—just a shelf, a box, or a dedicated corner filled with books. Accessibility encourages frequent reading.
5. Gamify the Experience
Make reading fun. Offer small rewards for milestones, like completing a chapter or finishing a book.
6. Start Small, Keep It Fun
Begin with one reading session per week. Keep it light and enjoyable—remember, it’s reading for fun, not exam prep.
7. Encourage Reflection and Sharing
Ask your child to summarize stories, create drawings, or give short dinner-table presentations about their books. This improves comprehension, communication, and confidence.
Why Parents Choose the Edtrack Reading Club
If you’re reading this, you already understand the importance of cultivating reading habits. But we also know you’re busy. That’s where the Edtrack Online Reading Club – a supportive community that brings children together to read, discuss, and grow steps in.
Our club provides guided sessions, engaging discussions, and interactive activities that help children develop:
- Consistent reading habits
- Analytical and critical thinking skills
- Improved cognitive performance
- A genuine love for books that lasts a lifetime
Take the first step today. Start with our quick Reading Test to determine your child’s reading level, and we’ll recommend the best entry point for them.
Final Thoughts
The decline in reading isn’t just affecting academic performance, it’s shaping children’s overall development, mental health, and future success. By taking small, intentional steps today, you can help your child unlock the lifelong benefits of reading.
Will you give your child this opportunity?
Join the parents already making the shift with the Edtrack Reading Club and see your child thrive inside and outside the classroom.
