Reading for pleasure is a matter of social justice. Children and young people who read for pleasure are more likely to do well at school, have better jobs, be happy and lead fulfilled lives. All through the magic of a humble book or story.
This is the context in which reading charity Read for Good see themselves.
They are a national charity based in Nailsworth, and I was fortunate enough to spend some time with them in their offices and warehouse last week. For a small team they do an enormous amount, mostly focused on four different initiatives:
- Readathon – a sponsored reading programme in schools across the country that motivated generations of children and young people to read since 1984
- Read for Good’s Hospital programme – this provides brand new books and regular storyteller visits to the UK’s 30 major children’s hospitals. It’s a source of comfort, escape and inspiration to thousands.
- Track My Read – an online programme that encourages children to read regularly, while also providing insight about what children and young people enjoy reading
- Brilliant Box of Books – sending boxes of selected new books to schools, medical and community settings where they can make a real difference and inspiration
The statistics show that our children are actually very good readers. They know and understand the mechanics of reading, but they don’t enjoy it. Only 1/3 children read for pleasure, down from nearly ½ of children ten years ago. The focus of Read for Good is on changing that, because all the research shows that reading for pleasure is what really counts.
Children who enjoy reading will be happier, healthier and earn more than those who do not. It has a major impact on their lives as adults – and on their families, communities and workplaces.
For Read for Good (and for me), this is about giving children the books they enjoy (and children love reading when they find the right books), and the encouragement, support and time to discover the joy of reading.
Actually, I think that we should all read more. As well as the pleasure and benefits it gives us, it models the behaviour we want to encourage.
You can visit their website here: https://readforgood.org/
