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Teachers 'not reading children's books'

22.05.08 Caroline Horn

Research into teachers' reading habits by the Centre for Literacy and Primary Education (CLPE) has found that many do not regularly read children's literature, and tend to choose books from a narrow band of authors.

The research was undertaken as part of the Power of Reading programme, which was launched by the CLPE in 2005 to increase children's and teachers' enjoyment of reading. The schools questioned for the research were among 300 that have been involved in the Power of Reading project.

A CLPE report points to "a -significant proportion of teachers" who do not read children's books, "with a consequent effect on the range of literature they use in the classroom". In addition, teachers were found not to draw on their own experience of children's literature to make informed -choices about books to read aloud to their classes.

"There are so many reasons why children are not enthusiastic about reading, so the role of teachers in encouraging them to read is critical," said Olivia O'Sullivan, project director. "If teachers are not enthusiastic about books and reading, it misses a valuable opportunity to influence and encourage a child."

Around 200 schools will be involved in this year's Power of Reading project, which launches in September. CLPE provides teacher training in using books in the classroom and online support. It also wants publishers to make more authors available to schools to support the programme.

Caroline Horn teachers children's

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Comments on this article

By Bernie

I can vouch for a huge variance in the range and condition of books in reading boxes from class to class and between the different nurseries and schools I have visited. Some children have a much richer resource than others. Tattered badly sorted books must have a negative impact on young childrens enthusiasm for reading I'm sure. The company I work for award money to a range of schools each year nominated by staff (both parents and non-parents) and I know that it makes a very useful contribution to the books budget. Maybe more companies could sponsor initatives like this.

22 May 08 17:12

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By Paula

This comes as no surprise to school or public librarians. When we try and introduce new authors or titles to teachers we often receive blank stares or even hostility. If teachers utilized the experts in children's literature within their own schools students would greatly benefit.

24 May 08 00:16

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By Doro

While I appreciate what an impact a teacher can have by being informed and enthusiastic about books, I think we have to remember how much we are already asking teachers to do on their own time. Reading and booktalking to kids need to be everyone's responsibility, and if not everyone is willing, then resources need to be devoted to it- including paying for the time it takes.

27 May 08 21:03

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By deb

As a literacy coach I have seen teachers introduce a new book once a week, if not once a day regularly to their students. However, who is paying for these books? Where is the time allowed in many classrooms? Many schools and districts do not allow reading to children or children reading their own books instead of "THE CORE" due to the almighty No Child Left Behind and getting ready for the test. There is not an easy solution. Back in the day, teachers were allowed to just read aloud. NOW teachers are asked, "WHAT STANDARD are you teaching?" Are teachers allowed to read for the sake of reading? Hmmm.

28 May 08 06:35

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