The government is being urged to include audiobooks in the curriculum of new schools in the UK. After the study, it was shown that fewer children read books for pleasure, and fewer children instead listened to them.
A poll by the National Literacy Trust (NLT) finds kids enjoy listening to audio and podcasts compared to the first time they've enjoyed reading since charities began asking about audio in 2020 I did.
Of the 37,000 children and young people aged 8 to 18 in the UK who participated in the poll, over five (42.3%) (42.3%) (42.3%) had over 39.4% in 2024 to participate in the polls. He said he enjoyed listening.
According to NLT, as audio gained popularity, reading for pleasure fell to a “crisis” level, with over a third (34.6%) of children saying they enjoyed reading in their free time. The boys were particularly disillusioned with the book, resulting in a gender difference of 28.2% to 40.5%.
However, in audio, more boys (43.4%) than girls (40.4%) said they enjoyed listening, and NLT said audiobooks and podcasts gave a gateway to reading for joy for boys and girls. He said he hopes he can provide it.
Thus, the charity said it “advocates for increased and increased access to the various reading formats available to students to include audio.”
“In recent years, we have steadily increased the stable enjoyment of children listening to audio, which will lead to love for reading and supporting literacy development, deepening learning and increasing happiness. We've revealed countless benefits that can be done,” Jonathan said. Douglas, CEO of NLT.
“By working together to leverage the enthusiasm of children and young people for audio, we will nurture a generation of readers and play an important role in turning the country's reading pages for a crisis of joy. You can do it.”
However, John Mulan, an English professor at University College London, said audiobooks are not a substitute for reading. He said: “I'm not against audiobooks. I listen to them myself, and my kids certainly listen to them.
“But that's very different to having your parents read you. The audiobooks aren't responding and are unforgiving. There's no interaction or relationship, but they read beautifully. ”
He said there is a difference between reading, explaining that he hears animation.
“It doesn't mean that it can't be a portal to love books. Of course you can. Listening to audiobooks is better than having no interest in fictional works at all, but it's an alternative. I don't think so.”
“I love listening to audiobooks. If it gives kids access to great literature, I'll support it,” said Rachel de Souza, a children's committee member and former principal in England.
“There's certainly a place for audiobooks, but I don't think we should replace reading the real thing. I think there's something very special about that.”
The government plans to publish a preliminary report on its curriculum and release its reviews immediately.
Sarah Hannafin, policy director for the National Association of Principals, said more should be done to support the literacy skills children need to navigate their lives.
“In English, this should be encouraged and encouraged to utilize the enjoyment of listening among children and young people, including developing a love for reading.”
“We've seen a lot of experience in the school and university leadership,” said Julie McCulloch, director of strategy and policy for the Association of School and College Leaders. , and access to some great books. ”
Jonathan Beit, professor of English literature at Oxford University, welcomed the use of audiobooks at schools. “There is a lot of evidence that there is a crisis of attention around written words, but one thing we know is that young people are very enthusiastic about audio material.
“The success of the Long Form Podcast shows that there is really attention paid to listening. It is a return to the origins of storytelling in the oral tradition, and to the audience around the campfire. He's a storyteller who speaks out loud. This is the beginning of literature.”
A spokesman for the education department said: Teachers are already encouraged to help students listen, discuss and read a wide range of stories, poetry, plays and books. This includes using audiobooks. ”
