Learning to read is one of the most important skills and strongest predictors of success. Studies show that children who develop strong reading skills are more successful in school, more likely go to university and more likely to achieve a high quality of life. Teaching children how to read is primarily a teacher’s job, but parents play a valuable role. Reading for […] … learn more→

In full vacation, although this year they are certainly far from the normality to which we were accustomed, the eternal question arises: how to get children to read? As a good enduring (and challenging) dilemma, it does not have a clear answer, but there is room for reflection around fundamental questions that can serve as guidance. […] … learn more→

The very serious crisis that we are suffering due to COVID-19 has caused a radical change in the teaching model, forcing us to work electronically. Logically, we still lack sufficient information, but this confinement will have its consequences at different educational levels. Undoubtedly, this stress may be exacerbated by the extra pressure that many families will […] … learn more→

The main literary genres (lyrical, narrative and theater) have survived in our modern history and it seems that their future does not present doubts as to their permanence in cultural uses and in the processes that concern the formation of people. However, it is inevitable to consider what is the use made of each of them […] … learn more→

Girls consistently outperform boys on reading tests – and have done so for several decades around the world. Lack of motivation, a weak vocabulary, poor reading engagement and lack of role models have all been considered possible reasons for this disparity. But results from recent global student assessments, known as PISA, suggests the global reading gap is closing. […] … learn more→

Public anxiety about the capacity of digital-age children and young adults to read anything longer than a screen grab has come to feel like moral panic. But there is plenty of evidence to suggest we must take such unease seriously. In 2016, the US National Endowment for the Arts reported the proportion of American adults who read […] … learn more→

From the choice of books in original formats to the sharing of stories or playful workshops around writing, parents and educators compete to help the young generations to forge strong links with books. Promoting reading as a pleasure is the leitmotif that drives libraries, book fairs and Ministry of Culture campaigns . How does the school support this relationship to the […] … learn more→

Christmas is just around the corner. If you’re wondering what to get your child, your friends’ children, your nieces, nephews or basically any very young person in your life –  I highly recommend picture books. Many people can remember a favourite book when they were a kid. Some of my favourites were the Berenstain Bears […] … learn more→

When I was younger I decided to learn Greek. I learnt the letter-sound correspondences and could say the words – the sounds, that is. But although I could and still can decode these words, I can’t actually read Greek because I don’t know what the words mean. Being able to make the connection between the […] … learn more→

Because I conduct research about reading, parents often ask me the same question: “What can I do to help my child become a better reader?” I always give them the same advice: “Read with your children. Enjoy books together, and whatever you do, don’t worry about teaching them to read. Leave the teaching to the teachers.” […] … learn more→