23 April is World Book Day, a symbolic date for world literature. It is a time to celebrate the importance of reading, foster children’s growth as readers, and promote a lifelong love of literature.

According to a 2016 study by Progress in International Reading Literacy (PIRLS), eight out of 10 children who are in Grade 4 cannot read for meaning.

Statistics released by Statistics South Africa also paint a grim picture of the country’s reading culture. Based on the findings nearly half of the country’s children have never read a book with a parent.

The national lockdown could exacerbate the situation but it’s also an opportunity for parents/guardians to foster a reading culture in their homes.

Reading helps children to develop language skills and knowledge. Being able to read also helps to expand a child’s vocabulary.

During this national lockdown, SPARK Schools is encouraging parents to promote reading as a daily activity in their homes and SPARK scholars have taken it upon themselves to celebrate World Book Day by recording video clips of themselves demonstrating their commitment to keep reading by sharing passages from their favourite books.

Make reading fun

It is important to make reading fun for your kids. Ensure that they choose a book that excites them, as this will be a fun activity for them. Buhle, a Scholar at SPARK Kempton Park enjoys reading from her reading corner as it encourages her to read more books at home.

Experts also recommend creating a book library at home, as this motivates children to read 

Let them choose books they like

Allowing a child to pick up books that interest them makes reading fun and exciting. Grade 4 SPARK Weltevreden Park scholars Katelyn and Lesedi passionately reading passages from their favourite books in celebration of World Book Day.

Lesedi Ikageng, a scholar from SPARK Rosslyn Hub demonstrates that Children who read often, get better at it and are very confident. 

Encourage Reading Outdoors to improve your child’s memory & develop their imagination –Reading outdoors is Didi, a Gr 4 SPARK Rynfield scholar letting her imagination run wild as she introduces us to the characters in her book.

Reading helps children to develop language skills and knowledge. Mpilo Camani, a Gr 4 Scholar at SPARK Soweto demonstrates that being able to read also helps to expand a child’s vocabulary.