Menu
07/03/2013
World Book Day: O'Dowd Encourages Reading Among Children
Education Minister John O'Dowd has taken advantage of World Book Day 2013 to encourage reading among children.
The Minister said: "The ability to read and write effectively is something that many of us take for granted, but sadly it is a skill that some people struggle with and this can have a negative impact on their lives. Recent studies have shown that the literacy skills of our primary school pupils are significantly above international standards and that is very encouraging. The performance of our school leavers also continues to improve. However, we still have far too many pupils not achieving the required levels in both literacy and numeracy and work is ongoing to tackle that."
The Minister continued: "Last year I launched the 'Education Works' campaign which is aimed at raising the value we as a society place on education. The campaign highlights the vital role parents can play in helping their child do well at school and improve their life chances.
"We have many, many excellent teachers in our schools, dedicated to teaching the children in their care and ensuring they reach their full potential. However, teachers need to be supported in this by parents and guardians. Research has shown the powerful influence parents can have on their child’s achievement. A recent study of 15 year olds, for example, showed that those whose parents had read to them often in P1 did much better at school than those whose parents had not. This same study found that the more books that young people have in their home, the better their assessment results.
"So today, on World Book Day, I urge parents to do what they can to encourage their children to develop their reading and writing skills. That may involve reading them a bedtime story, encouraging them to read out loud to you or perhaps for older children encouraging them to put the computer games aside for a while and picking up a book instead.
“The message is clear. Parental involvement and encouragement, no matter how small, can have a direct and long-lasting effect on a child’s educational achievements."
(IT)
The Minister said: "The ability to read and write effectively is something that many of us take for granted, but sadly it is a skill that some people struggle with and this can have a negative impact on their lives. Recent studies have shown that the literacy skills of our primary school pupils are significantly above international standards and that is very encouraging. The performance of our school leavers also continues to improve. However, we still have far too many pupils not achieving the required levels in both literacy and numeracy and work is ongoing to tackle that."
The Minister continued: "Last year I launched the 'Education Works' campaign which is aimed at raising the value we as a society place on education. The campaign highlights the vital role parents can play in helping their child do well at school and improve their life chances.
"We have many, many excellent teachers in our schools, dedicated to teaching the children in their care and ensuring they reach their full potential. However, teachers need to be supported in this by parents and guardians. Research has shown the powerful influence parents can have on their child’s achievement. A recent study of 15 year olds, for example, showed that those whose parents had read to them often in P1 did much better at school than those whose parents had not. This same study found that the more books that young people have in their home, the better their assessment results.
"So today, on World Book Day, I urge parents to do what they can to encourage their children to develop their reading and writing skills. That may involve reading them a bedtime story, encouraging them to read out loud to you or perhaps for older children encouraging them to put the computer games aside for a while and picking up a book instead.
“The message is clear. Parental involvement and encouragement, no matter how small, can have a direct and long-lasting effect on a child’s educational achievements."
(IT)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 November 2024
Winter Vaccines: Get Boosted To Protect Yourself
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging eligible individuals in Northern Ireland to get their annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. The agency highlights the significant benefits of vaccination in reducing severe illness and death, especially for those at high risk.
Winter Vaccines: Get Boosted To Protect Yourself
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging eligible individuals in Northern Ireland to get their annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. The agency highlights the significant benefits of vaccination in reducing severe illness and death, especially for those at high risk.
08 September 2003
UK adults encouraged to read more
A new survey has revealed that a quarter of UK adults have not read a single book in the last 12 months. The figures, part of the National Reading Campaign's research into personal reading habits across the country, coincided with International Literacy Day on Monday.
UK adults encouraged to read more
A new survey has revealed that a quarter of UK adults have not read a single book in the last 12 months. The figures, part of the National Reading Campaign's research into personal reading habits across the country, coincided with International Literacy Day on Monday.
20 November 2024
Parents And Guardians Urged To Share Childcare Experiences
Parents and guardians across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to participate in a new survey to share their experiences of childcare. The survey, commissioned by the Department of Education, aims to gather valuable insights to inform future childcare policies.
Parents And Guardians Urged To Share Childcare Experiences
Parents and guardians across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to participate in a new survey to share their experiences of childcare. The survey, commissioned by the Department of Education, aims to gather valuable insights to inform future childcare policies.
25 October 2024
Hydebank Female Prison Marks Book Week NI
Justice Minister Naomi Long has visited Hydebank Wood Secure College and Female Prison to mark Book Week NI – an initiative to encourages adults across Northern Ireland to join in a reading experience. Visiting the prison library, Naomi Long said: "Prison libraries are an important hub of learning for people in custody.
Hydebank Female Prison Marks Book Week NI
Justice Minister Naomi Long has visited Hydebank Wood Secure College and Female Prison to mark Book Week NI – an initiative to encourages adults across Northern Ireland to join in a reading experience. Visiting the prison library, Naomi Long said: "Prison libraries are an important hub of learning for people in custody.
05 December 2017
NI Primary School Pupils Among Best In The World For Reading
Northern Ireland pupils, aged between 9 - 10, are among the best readers in the world. NI has been ranked 6th in the world in a major international survey.
NI Primary School Pupils Among Best In The World For Reading
Northern Ireland pupils, aged between 9 - 10, are among the best readers in the world. NI has been ranked 6th in the world in a major international survey.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
