Reading for pleasure is decreasing in the United States, and educators say this is a concern because regular reading supports knowledge, empathy and critical thinking. Data cited by researchers show a marked fall in daily reading among young teenagers between 2012 and 2023, and a recent arts survey reports a lower share of adults who read at least one book for pleasure compared with earlier years.
University of Miami specialists Mary Beth Calhoon and Chakeia Andrews identify several causes: social media and gaming that favour short blurbs, shortened attention spans, and classroom practices that offer only excerpts of novels or plays. Calhoon links these habits to lower scores on the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking, which asks students to read and analyse texts for about 45 minutes. Andrews highlights that early reading difficulties and limited access to high-interest, culturally relevant books can reduce students' confidence and motivation.
Both experts recommend practical steps to rebuild reading habits and make reading part of family life. Key approaches include giving students choice, adding multimedia supports to help with complex texts, and parents modelling reading at home.
- Establish a family reading night and discuss books together.
- Offer graphic novels and formats that interest young readers.
- Use libraries, audiobooks and e-books to widen access.
- Let children pick books and follow their interests with related media.
Difficult words
- empathy — ability to understand other people's feelings.
- critical thinking — ability to evaluate ideas and arguments.
- attention span — time a person can focus on something.attention spans
- excerpt — short part taken from a longer text.excerpts
- culturally relevant — connected to readers' cultural backgrounds or interests.
- model — show a behaviour for others to copy.modelling
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could a family reading night change a child's interest in books? Give one or two reasons.
- What are the benefits and drawbacks of offering graphic novels and audiobooks to young readers?
- How can schools balance short classroom excerpts with longer texts to improve critical thinking?
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