In South Africa, the ability to read for meaning is a critical skill that remains elusive for many children. According to the Reading Panel 2030 report, a staggering 78% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning in any language. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need to foster a love of reading among students to ensure their academic success and personal development.

“Reading is foundational to learning and personal growth. It enhances vocabulary, improves comprehension, and stimulates imagination. Moreover, reading is linked to better academic performance across all subjects. For South Africa, where educational disparities are significant, promoting reading can be a powerful tool to bridge the gap and empower future generations,” says Kassandra Strydom, Academic Advisor: Foundation Phase at ADvTECH, Africa’s leading private education provider.

Strydom emphasises that in a world dominated by social media and mobile devices, keeping a child’s interest in reading can be challenging. However, she underscores that this is a vital responsibility for parents.

“By integrating reading into daily life from a young age, and making it an enjoyable activity, parents can help their children develop a lifelong love for reading, thereby improving their prospects of personal and academic achievement,” she says.

Strydom notes that the findings of the Reading Panel 2030 report highlight the critical need for efforts to ensure that all children in South Africa can read for meaning by 2030. And while the Department of Education committed to addressing challenges identified in the report at a recent session where Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube delivered the keynote address, the mammoth task could not be left to educators alone, she said.

“Schools and teachers play an important role in teaching students how to read, but few are equipped to instil a genuine love for reading by the time children begin formal education. This essential passion must be nurtured at home to create a supportive environment where students can thrive once they master their ABCs.”

Strydom says parents play a pivotal role in nurturing a child’s love for reading, and says it can be done by:

CREATING A READING-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT & LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Second-hand books are often very affordable, and libraries are free, making it easy for families to fill their homes with a diverse selection that caters to their child’s interests and reading level. Choosing books together can be a fun and exciting activity, providing valuable parent-child bonding time. Once the books have been selected, engaging in paired or shared reading experiences can enhance this connection. Creating opportunities to read together in a relaxed and intimate setting—whether snuggled on the couch or curled up in bed—makes reading feel special. This not only fosters a love for reading but also connects the activity to positive emotions and quality time spent together.

By modelling positive reading habits and setting aside dedicated reading time each day, parents can help cultivate a lifelong passion for books in their children.

USING TECHNOLOGY WISELY

Excessive screen time can negatively impact children’s development, prompting many schools to limit mobile phone usage to create more focused learning environments. To balance screen time at home, families can implement “reading timeouts” that benefit both child and parent.

While there are numerous reading apps and platforms that can make reading engaging, it’s important to choose those that offer personal learning pathways, allowing children to explore content beyond just reading.

These apps can foster deeper engagement with reading material by connecting it to real-world situations and encouraging critical thinking. However, it’s essential to also incorporate non-screen reading to ensure children develop a well-rounded love for literature alongside their digital experiences.

MAKING READING AN INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE

When fostering a love for reading, it’s important to ensure that the experience is interactive.

Encourage children to engage with books before diving into the text by taking time for ‘picture walks’, where they can flip through pages and explore the illustrations. This approach helps minimise distractions and prepares them for a more focused reading experience.

Consider using the “5 W” principle—asking who, what, when, where, and why questions about the book—to spark discussion and curiosity. Before reading, ask children what they think the story might be about, and always include the follow-up question, “How do you know that?” This encourages them to articulate their thoughts and develops metacognition—thinking about their thinking—making the reading experience richer and more meaningful.