Literacy Trust pushes for greater parental involvement

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The National Literacy Trust is launching a new campaign today to promote the importance of reading in the home.

The “Family Reading Campaign” is said to be the “first of its kind”, delivered through the organisation on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills. It brings together key organisations from the “education, library, parenting sectors and beyond”, to ensure that more children benefit from reading with their families.

Parmjit Dhanda, Families Minister, said: “We all share a duty to do everything we can to help children make the most of life’s opportunities. Parents have an essential role to play in supporting and encouraging reading ““ and I think new fathers like myself need to be a part of this too”.

“Research shows that parental involvement can have a big impact on their children’s achievement. I”m delighted to welcome the Family Reading Campaign, which is doing important work to help ensure that every child has the chance to fulfil their potential”.

And Julia Strong, Director of the National Reading Campaign, who is coordinating the Family Reading Campaign, said: “Helping your child to love reading is one of the greatest gifts parents can give to their children. Parental involvement in reading has more of an influence on children’s achievement than any other factor ““ including how well educated or rich their parents are”.

“And parents are a child’s first educator. This campaign aims to encourage organisations to work together more effectively to support reading in the home. Together we can make every home a reading home and every child a reader”.

Vijay Pattni.

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