Reading improves children’s lives

It makes good sense that building a steady reading habit at an early age improves a child’s future prospects.

So says Eilen Anthoniussen, coordinator at ’Føroyar Lesa’ (’the Faroes Read’), about new international research which indicates that children who read at least 20 minutes a day do better in life than those who read less.

Children who read 20 minutes a day develop better language skills, have higher self-confidence and attain better education later in life, according to the ‘Progress in International Reading Literacy Study’ (PIRLS) study, conducted by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA).

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“These findings are positive and useful because similar studies often only reveal that children don’t read enough,” says Anthoniussen.

She mentions other research which suggests that reading improves memory and reduces stress.

“Reading is good, regardless of whether it’s regular books, e-books or audiobooks. There is lots of research showing that children should be exposed to reading as early as possible.”

‘Føroyar Lesa’ has for the past three years been campaigning in schools and elsewhere for the importance of focused reading.

Read the Faroese version of this article here.

More Faroese News in English.