A love of reading doesn’t develop by chance. It is built early through everyday habits that shape how children experience books – not as work but as discovery, imagination and connection. And, these habits start at home. Tasleem Sather, education programme lead at SPARK Turffontein, explains that while educators play a critical role in shaping […]
The secret to raising children who love reading and learn better Read More »
We have a collective responsibility to nurture, protect and raise the next generation of leaders in our society. Among the many rights children hold, the right to quality education remains one of the most critical – and the most closely tied to their future well-being. South Africa’s literacy challenges remain a deep concern. Recently, the
Give children the gift of reading in their home languages Read More »
Children between ages 10 and 12 are at a fascinating stage of life. They’re no longer little kids, but they’re not yet teenagers. They’re starting to ask bigger questions, push boundaries, and search for who they are becoming. Amid all these changes, reading plays a powerful role, and schools and parents should strongly encourage students
Why age 10–12 is pivotal for cultivating a love of reading Read More »
The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) has released findings from its 2024 survey on book ownership, revealing that 31% of respondents own fewer than 10 books – a modest improvement from 41% reported in 2022. However, access to books remains a significant challenge for many South Africans. The survey also found that approximately
From shelves to minds: The vital role of paper books Read More »
Learning to read is a fundamental skill that unlocks an individual’s access to education, economic opportunities and social mobility. Yet, the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study 2021 conducted by the University of Pretoria in South Africa found that eight out of 10 South African Grade 4 learners struggle to read for comprehension at age
Choosing a school with a strong approach to reading Read More »
As parents, we all want to see our children succeed, and one of the most powerful ways to set them up for success is by helping them develop a love of reading. Reading is not just about mastering words; it’s about opening doors to new worlds, developing empathy and strengthening cognitive and emotional skills. From
How to cultivate a lifelong love of reading in your child Read More »
In South Africa, the ability to read for meaning is a critical skill that remains elusive for many children. According to the Reading Panel 2030 report, a staggering 78% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning in any language. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need to foster a love of reading among students
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In this digital age, where screens dominate daily life, the idea of reading a physical book, magazine or newspaper may seem old-fashioned. Ahead of International Literacy Day on 8 September, the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) suggests that reading paper-based material can be compared to maintaining a healthy diet. Jane Molony, executive director
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The Qualibooks Group is looking to bring the fun back to reading with kibooks.online. A fully online platform, kibooks.online provides children with access to around 8 000 top-quality books that they can read anywhere and at any time, says Christopher de Beer, a director at the group. “At the Qualibooks Group, our goal is to
kibooks.online wants to make reading fun again Read More »
As parents in South Africa, we all want the best for our children. We dream of bright futures filled with opportunities. One of the most effective ways to set our children on the path to success is by fostering early language and literacy skills. Reading plays a crucial role in this journey, offering numerous benefits
The critical role of reading in early childhood development Read More »