Children are the future. They will grow up and become the idols and the inspirers. But do you want to be living in a world knowing that almost 60% of teens, our future, do not enjoy reading? Reading is a thing of the past some people say, with modern technology such as iphones, computers and kindles taking over the old age art of reading a book. With technological advances happening every second, how can you be sure you will ever read a real book again?
I talked to award winning writer, Tom Pollok about the future of reading. There were an array of question asked and he made very valid points on how not everyone was classified in the not reading category and that still millions of children want to be involved in writing/reading careers today.
So why does the evidence not support the facts?
If, as he said, many children were interested in going into literacy involved careers why is the number of avid readers as low as 40% In most parts of the country?. Being a teen myself I can see the disinterest in reading. Why read when you can watch a fun, more exciting version of it in a film or listen to it on an e-book. English is one of the most liked subjects at schools (with maths being one of the least), and GCSE results averaging at a B. “Literacy Careers entail very different things to school writing. At school there is a set criteria to be met, compared to literacy careers which lets your imagination run wild and you are not as restricted”.
But how do we encourage teenagers to read?
“Most teenagers have a very limited ‘book experience’, they have no resources for new and exciting books such as a library or book shop. The trick in encouraging teens to read is not forcing them to read but to find a book they like. A book they will not think to read a chore. This will open a newfound gateway of opportunities for them”.
I would like to thank Tom Pollock for allowing me to interview him
By Victoria Wiltshire
