4.4 Myth

Learning to read and developing the desire to read are interdependent. The Early Years Framework in England (DfE, 2021) stresses that ‘It is crucial for children to develop a life-long love of reading’ (p. 9), recognising that developing children’s will to read is necessary to develop the skill to read.

Four girls sat in a classroom looking at books they have selected.

When children reach statutory school age, educators and parents should continue to maximise opportunities to read a wide range of texts and genres with children. In addition, exploring picture storybooks, non-fiction, comics and digital texts of their choice independently, or with peers, enables children to draw on a wealth of emerging skills and knowledge to make meaning from and connections between texts.