In September we took a dive into what Reading for Pleasure (RFP) is and why it is important and noted a couple of ways it can be fostered.
This month looks at a few other ways to encourage RFP and what motivates children to seek this adventure.
Just before we move on, researchers behind the review extract Reading for pleasure: Exploring the concept (2022) encourage us to understand the nuance between reading for pleasure and pleasure in reading. In brief, they argue that where the former places the young reader having choice in reading material, time, and place as integral, pleasure in reading, however, can occur without attending to any of these conditions.
So, as discussed in the previous post, RFP centres on a want to read, and autonomy over what, when and where to read. Choice, thus, is a significant marker in both becoming an engaged reader and wanting to read for pleasure. Two U.K. organisations, The BookTrust and The Open University, have written a great article on an individual’s freedom to select their own reading and how we can encourage “choice and agency” in this realm: Why Book Choice Matters for Children and How to Promote it in the Classroom.
Please click on the above link to read the full article – it’s fascinating! Though the information seems targeted toward schooling and classrooms, the aspects easily lend themselves to the home and library environment.
Here are just a few of the insights discussed regarding choice with some added comments:
- Choice promotes autonomy, allowing the young reader to gain a sense of control over their own reading journey and to meet their own personal reasons for reading - motives that many of us can identify with – such as interests, curiosity, immersion in another space/world, laughs, and self-identify. (Among others, we can also add comfort, solitude, visual texts, social interaction, beloved characters, writing style, and thrills, or the scares). In the article noted above, RFP: exploring the concept, other equally significant forces behind reading are discussed, with findings suggesting that for some readers “dominant drivers are linked to…the feelings and emotions triggered by reading and the opportunity to become immersed in texts”. Ultimately, this all feeds into a rewarding reading experience for any reader.
- Here seems a great place to unashamedly plug for library membership, as having their own library card not only fosters a sense of autonomy in the young reader, but also unlocks access to a wondrous variety of stories in diverse genres and formats.
- Choosing books readers “understand and enjoy” can promote a greater sense of competence, which in turn can lead to more reading and self-discovery as a reader.
- We could also argue that this meaning making and joy could encourage children to preserve in and/or to ask for support with their reading.
The authors go on to cover more motivational aspects behind what young readers choose, including recommendations from friends, browsing, preferred authors, re-reading favourite books, and intrigue in the book’s blurb. Here, it is easy to suggest a want to continue with a series also plays an important part in a child’s reading preferences.
Finally, encouraging children to make self-directed book choices in a myriad of ways is also perceptively addressed. One of the most significant things we can do as parents or educators is to ensure young readers have access to a broad range of appropriate reading materials in both content and format. Another shout out to the library😊. Plus, as parents/caregivers you know your children and you can use this knowledge to help them select books. Keep an eye on what they are reading, on those they discard as well as those they devour. Take note of the books they talk about and/or try to engage you with – always good indicators of favourites.
Thanks for reading and please check out the below sources for more information and ideas about RFP.
Reading for pleasure: Exploring the concept (2022)
Why Book Choice Matters for Children and How to Promote it in the Classroom.
The Open University: Reading for Pleasure
Reading for pleasure — a door to success | National Library of New Zealand
Kay Hall - Content Development Librarian: Children’s and Young Adult
