SMH Christopher Harris
Teenagers have lower comprehension levels than they did last year and their favourite books include the primary school-level Diary of a Wimpy Kid, according to a national report on reading habits of adolescents.
Analysts say students are spending more time on devices and consuming fewer books that require sustained focus, which may be negatively affecting the size of their vocabularies and ability to comprehend trickier texts as they opt for familiar and easier material.
…Griffiths (Andy) said libraries were essential to building a school’s reading culture and ensuring that students, teachers and parents have access to – and knowledge of – a wide spectrum of books.
“Ideally, every school and school librarian would also have a close relationship with their local bookseller or supplier to ensure they are fully abreast of the multitude of suitably challenging books already being published to assist students in their growth towards becoming life-long readers,” he said.
Find out what kids are reading in 2024 here