1. Engagement drives attainment
Reading time combined with good comprehension leads to improved outcomes. How well students read matters just as much as how much they read.
2. Series build readers
From Diary of a Wimpy Kid to Lottie Brooks, series fiction dominates reading choices. Familiarity unlocks fluency and confidence, especially for developing readers.
3. Transition is the risk point
The move to secondary school marks a critical moment where reading habits alter and engagement drops. We see a gender divergence in reading habits emerge as peer recommendations and interests begin to play more of a role.
4. Enjoyment improves understanding
Students thrive when they have the freedom to choose what interests them, with better quiz scores seen on books rated as favourites. Using a reading range helps guide students to choose books of interest with the right balance of challenge.
5. Diversity needs active intervention
Without guidance, reading choices narrow. Librarians, teacher and peer recommendations play a key role in broadening students’ exposure to new authors and genres.