Back to school tips to keep kids reading for fun: Insight from the Kids & Family Reading Report

Kids are getting ready to go back to school and we want to remind parents, caregivers and family members to keep kids "reading ready" throughout the year.

The latest research from the Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report: 6th Edition shows that the majority of kids ages 6–17 agree “it is very important for their future to be a good reader” and about six in ten kids love or like reading books for fun, BUT only 32% of children are frequent readers (kids who read for fun 5-7 days a week) and one in four kids (24%) are infrequent readers (kids who read for fun less than one day a week).

Research across the board shows daily independent reading can help children develop vocabulary, comprehension skills and stamina – all critical skills for school success. As families balance homework, activities, meetings and play dates, families more than ever need easy, actionable tips and resources to make reading for fun at home a priority.

Never fear! We have some helpful "back to school reading resolutions" to ensure families read every day at home once school begins.

1. Ask your kid’s new teacher at back-to-school night for a list of books to read for fun at home, as kids say their teacher is a top resource for book ideas.
2. Keep books in the home for independent reading time all year. Frequent readers have twice the amount of books in the home in comparison to infrequent readers. 
3. Read aloud at home – and keep it going beyond ages 5 and 8, as 66% of kids ages 6–11 say that “reading together is fun” and 72% of kids say “it is a special time together.”
4. Talk to your local public librarian or school librarian for book suggestions. They are a year-round resource for great book ideas for families.
5. Look for children’s books that feature characters that are “smart, brave or strong” and who “face a challenge and overcome it.” Kids need to connect with stories and characters in order for them to associate reading as an enjoyable activity.

And don't forget to let children choose their books to read for fun. 9 in 10 kids say their favorite book is the one they picked out themselves. 

To learn more about the state of kids and reading in the U.S., visit scholastic.com/readingreport on the latest findings from our nationally representative survey of parents and kids.