Lots of children struggle with actually enjoying reading, but reading non-fiction books can boost the interest of even the most reluctant reader.
Lots of parents believe that the interests their children adopt in their formative years will influence their future career, and the government has now gone one step further in their plans to give career guidance to children as young as seven. Reading non-fiction books on the subjects that interest them can fire up a child's enthusiasm for reading.
‘It is essential that young children read at least one book a week and, in particular, educational books,’ says family counsellor Jenni Trent Hughes. ‘Developing interest at an early age from books that cover subjects such as sport, travel and history, will open their eyes to a world of future possibilities and can trigger enthusiasm and excitement which may shape their whole lives and careers.’
Reading non-fiction certainly helped to steer journalist Jennie Bond towards her chosen career. She says: ‘I used to love poring over an Atlas when I was a child. All those extraordinary place names in far-flung corners of the world kicked my imagination into overdrive as I dreamt of what life might be like in a tiny African village. It inspired my desire to see the world and definitely steered me towards my career as a journalist.’
Actress Tracy Ann Oberman (known to many as Chrissie Watts, formerly of EastEnders) agrees. ‘I loved reading about history as a child, especially Roman history – all that intrigue and warmongering,’ she said. ‘I was fascinated by the way that the small actions of an individual could have such a huge impact and change the face of history. Musing then on what made heroes, heroes and villains, villains helps me now to interpret the characters I play in my career as an actress.’
Elaine Albert, mother to 13-year-old Jaye, said that it was non fiction books about subjects such as sports and insects that motivated her reluctant reader son to begin picking up books without be asked.
‘He wasn’t reading very well right up until he was ready for secondary school and I was extremely worried as I realised he was going to have a hard time in every subject if he hated reading,’ she said. ‘But because he was interested in sports he began collecting handbooks and newsletters about his favourite team and that sparked his interest in learning to read for himself. He also has a rather undesirable fascination with going in the garden to study ants and other insects – so that’s another possibility!’
Many parents would no doubt like to see their children reading more. But many don't even know what books their children are reading at school - our busy modern lives mean that these details can sometimes get lost in the whirl of day to day living.
Educational experts recommend that parents spend at least ten minutes a day reading with their children to help build a greater passion for reading, and a love of books that lasts a lifetime.
Jenni advises: ‘Parents can inspire their children to read from a very young age by reading to them, and when olde,r going on trips to the library or the bookstore, and making it a real adventure. This role-modelling leads to children integrating reading into their lives as a fun and inspirational activity, so that reading is not a chore, but a delight.’
