Here we are, once again, with World Book Day and the topic uppermost on many parents mind is ‘what about the costumes?” ‘what will it cost for my child to go to school dressed as their favourite character?’
This is no surprise and it gets worse every year. Some schools are letting children go in pyjamas to celebrate reading before sleep. Really? From reports on child literacy it might be an idea to spend the costume money on books and getting the kids to read, but then that’s too obvious.
According to stats from the National Literacy Trust last year, 43% of 8-18 year old’s don’t enjoy reading – the lowest since 2005. Back in 2019, 25% of 10 and 11 year- old pupils didn’t reach the required reading statndards! I know chidren who simply don’t ever read. They were happy to chew books when they were toddlers, but actually reading and understanding is an alien pastime. Blame can’t always be laid on the schools. We’re bring up a generation who will have the latest smart technology at their fingers tips, but will talk in abbreviated garbage and emojis. Sadly we have to lay some of the blame on the parents. There are many thousands of households have no books at all and the child’s ‘favourite character’ is gleaned from TV, film and video games.
World Book Day was conceived in 1995 by UNESCO and is celebrated in over 100 countries. This year booksellers are doing their utmost to capitalise on the event, quite rightly, Bookshop.org, who support indie bookshops, are actively encouraging children to visit stores where books can be bought for as little as one pound.
deilibri 