One in eight children have never been given a book: Study also finds pupils who read outside of school are five times more likely to be above expected level for their age

[How many Cambodians -- adult or child -- have read ONE book this year?  Our problem is even more BASIC than not having a book; we don't have a developed language, PARTICULARLY CLEAR WRITTEN language that can only come with the aid of PUNCTUATION.]

• National Literacy Trust Director Jonathan Douglas added: ‘The more a child reads, the better their writing is likely to be as well as their speaking and listening skills.

  
  

  ‘Literacy empowers children, particularly from the most disadvantaged communities, to do better at school and beyond, transforming their life chances.’ 

• Study is based on survey of 32,000 people aged between eight and 18
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• It finds books not top candidates for Christmas presents in many families
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• Experts warn of potential ‘Matildas’ being discouraged from reading 

THE DAILY MAIL | 23 December 2015

One in eight children has never been given a book as a present, according to a study by the National Literacy Trust.

A survey of 32,000 children and young people aged eight to 18 found books do not seem to be a priority for many families at Christmas.

Among disadvantaged children, as many as one in five have not ever received a book as a gift.

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One in eight children has never been given a book as a present, according to a study by the National Literacy Trust

Education officials said it will lead to potential ‘Matildas’ being discouraged from reading outside the classroom and missing out on the chance to build their confidence in reading.

The latest results for pupils aged 11 show 83 per cent of disadvantaged pupils achieved the expected level or above in reading by the end of primary school, compared to 92 per cent of non-disadvantaged pupils.

The survey found girls are more likely to find a book in their Christmas stocking this year – with 86 per cent saying they had received one as a present compared to 79 per cent of boys.

It comes as the Department for Education calls on publishers to make low cost copies of classic novels available to secondary schools.

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Education officials said it will lead to potential ‘Matildas’ (see picture) being discouraged from reading outside the classroom and missing out on the chance to build their confidence in reading

Well-known children’s book publishers Penguin has suggested 100 books from their Black Classics that they could make available for low prices.

Evidence shows that children who develop strong reading skills early on are more likely to succeed at school, achieve good qualifications and go on to succeed in their adult lives and the world of work.

Research by the National Literacy Trust has found that children and young people who read daily outside class are five times more likely to read above the expected level for their age compared with those who never do.

Education Secretary Nicky Morgan said: ‘I hope children across the country have the joy of opening a book this Christmas.

Encouraging all children to read widely and read well is a vital part of this government’s commitment to extending opportunity for all - the gift of a book this Christmas will not only provide hours of reading enjoyment, but will help set a child up for the rest of their life.’

National Literacy Trust Director Jonathan Douglas added: ‘The more a child reads, the better their writing is likely to be as well as their speaking and listening skills.

‘Literacy empowers children, particularly from the most disadvantaged communities, to do better at school and beyond, transforming their life chances.’