Harry Potter Encourages Kids To Read
A bookworm like me sometimes forgets that there are lots of people out there who don’t really care for books. One of my blogging friends once pointed out the dirth of books in the popular show, MTV Cribs. Never fear. Harry Potter
Teachers and children in the UK credit JK Rowling’s Harry Potter books for making kids interested in books again. In a survey of literacy, the Federation of Children’s Book Groups found:
- 59 per cent of children feel that the Potter books have helped them improve their reading skills
- Almost 50% said that Rowling’s series made them want to read more books.
- 84% of teachers say that the boy wizard has had a positive impact on children’s reading abilities
- 73 per cent admit that they have been surprised by some of the children that have managed to read Potter.
- 67% told how Potter had helped turn non-reading pupils into readers.
Debbie Williams, children’s buyer at Waterstone’s, said: ‘I think that Harry Potter has had a big impact on literacy and particularly in encouraging boys to read more books. Following Harry Potter there has been a real demand from boys aged nine to 14 - traditionally a group that was not interested in reading books. Reading books is now cool and has a playground credibility, and boys want to have read the latest thing.’
How has Harry Potter changed your kids’ reading habits?
Guardian Unlimited, July 10, 2005
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POSTED IN: Children's Books (6 to 10 yrs)
5 opinions for Harry Potter Encourages Kids To Read
Jesus
Jul 13, 2005 at 3:34 pm
The disappointing thing is how poorly written the books are. It’s great that kids are reading but it’s surely better if they’re not reading utter rubbish? Something that approaches "literature" would be a start.
Kids should read Dahl. A much finer writer. That said, I’m a finer writer than Rowling and that says a lot!
Lei
Jul 14, 2005 at 10:11 am
Thanks for the comment, Jesus. I personally enjoy Rowling’s writings but of course agree that she’s not the most fantastic writer that ever lived. :P
Glad to hear from a confident writer like you for once! ;)
Qadira
Jul 17, 2005 at 5:03 pm
-inserts some sort of snarky comment about people hiding behind the pseudonym of Jesus making bashing comments about Rowling’s wizardry-filled books-
My son acquired his copy last night. Harry Potter that is. He’s half way through the book, and a good thing too. His dad & I are waiting with baited breath to read it.
Lest anyone think my child lacks in the reading of literature (which btw should be replaced with the word "tedious"), he has purposefully tackled works by Kipling, Melville and Tolkien.
Lei
Jul 21, 2005 at 12:05 am
Thanks, Qadira. We all know that HP is evil incarnate, right? ;) That said, I’ll be joining the cult when the latest is out in paperback.
Heather
Sep 6, 2006 at 7:13 am
I heard, If everything goes as planned, the 6th Harry Potter movie is set to be released in November 21st 2008-Thanksgiving weekend. Until then, part 5 will make its way to the cinemas in July 2007.
Summer debut for “Harry Potter and Order of the Phoenix” is without a doubt one of the most expected movies of the moment, even if the filming just started and will last another year.
The 7th and final book is expected hit the jackpot even harder since J.K Rowling suggested that some of the main characters might die, including Harry Potter. I just can’t wait it!
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