Encouraging reading at The Bear Project

The Bear Project At The Iceni Academy, Hockwold:

The Bear Project – Encouraging children to read, and more importantly, to enjoy reading, is a goal shared by parents and educators alike. Despite the benefits of reading being well understood some children struggle. These benefits range from improved language skills to enhanced creativity and increased empathy. But many children still find reading a chore rather than a joy. This reluctance can be attributed to a combination of factors. These can include digital distractions, limited exposure to appealing books, and the pressures of academic reading. Overcoming these challenges requires a thoughtful approach that balances encouragement with a genuine love for reading.

What are the difficulties?

One of the biggest hurdles to encouraging reading is competition from digital entertainment. With tablets, smartphones, and streaming services at their fingertips, children are often more drawn to screen-based activities that offer instant gratification. Video games and social media can be much more stimulating than a book. Children become used to high-paced visuals and constant interaction. The static nature of reading can feel underwhelming by comparison. To counteract this, parents and educators are trying to integrate reading into children’s lives as an enjoyable and valuable activity. This may involve setting limits on screen time and creating specific times for family reading. This project uses teddy bears to help make reading part of the daily routine for children. The goal is to encourage children to see it as a normal and enjoyable activity rather than something “boring” or “educational.”

Choice

The choice of reading material can also be a problem. Not all children respond to traditional storybooks or classic literature. But in many cases these are often the first types of books presented to them. If children are only offered stories they find difficult to relate to or difficult, reading can become associated with frustration. One solution is to provide access to a diverse array of books. Ideally, these reflect a range of interests and reading levels. Graphic novels, magazines, and non-fiction books can be just as enriching as traditional novels. Parents and teachers are working to identify what truly captures each child’s attention. It may not be what they would prefer. Allowing children to choose their reading material gives them a sense of ownership and autonomy, which can help ignite their interest.

Additional Ideas

Reading comprehension skills, or lack thereof, can also pose a challenge. For children who struggle with reading, it can become a source of anxiety and shame, which dampens any potential enjoyment. If reading feels like a constant challenge, children are more likely to avoid it. In these cases, additional support from educators and parents can make a significant difference. Approaches like “The Bear Project” and reading aloud together, using audiobooks, or practicing with easier books can build confidence and make reading feel more approachable.

The pressures children feel

Finally, the pressure to read for academic success can detract from the intrinsic joy of reading. When reading is associated only with homework and tests, children may view it as just another task rather than a source of enjoyment. To counter this, parents and teachers are trying to emphasize the fun and creativity that reading can bring. Storytime, book clubs, and reading challenges can help create a more relaxed atmosphere around reading. Celebrating books as gateways to new worlds and ideas can foster a positive mindset that extends beyond academics.