Views & Opinion
The need to read: the crucial role of reading in childhood development Comment by CONSTANCE MANTLE, CEO at SaveMyExams
The National Literacy Trust (NLT) finding that reading enjoyment levels have decreased by 8.8% in the past year is extremely concerning, as reading plays an important role in childhood development. The NLT reported a damning 20- year slump, as only 34% of young people said that they enjoy reading in their free time, and just 20% said that they read something daily in their free time.
The current digital landscape is likely contributing to this negative downturn, with children of all ages often gravitating towards phones and tablets - where games, videos and social media are all readily available. These apps can prevent children from taking part in more traditional activities such as reading, which risks having a negative impact on the language development of younger children in particular. While technology like tablets and laptops are useful, and often necessary, for study, it’s important that this is balanced with reading both fiction and non-fiction books. Not all tech time should be spent on social media or engaging in passive media like videos - there also needs to be a focus on reading and creativity.
Reading has a number of positive effects, including vocabulary growth and language development. Reading and exposure to new words helps increase the cognitive capacity of children, as they discover syntax, grammar, semantics and graphology. It is also vital to the phonological development of children, helping them to overcome common language hurdles such as substitution and deletion.
Reading remains imperative from KS1 through to KS5, as it helps develop more practical skills, which are often key to adulthood. Reading invokes inspiration and promotes curiosity, facilitating discovery of topics and subjects that can support future careers and interests of children.
Furthermore, reading exposes young people to differing perspectives, and triggers questions, analysis and scepticism. It introduces children to new ideas and concepts, which are fundamental to self-expression. Reading also helps children understand values, morals and different characteristics. Classic fables such as ‘The Tortoise and the Hare’ and satirical novels such as Orwell’s Animal Farm teach invaluable lessons during pivotal ages.
Another concern is the impact on the younger generation’s academic skills, as reading plays a critical role when examining students across all subject areas.
These findings are not entirely surprising however, with many educators conscious that increasing school workloads and pressures around testing risks making reading for pleasure feel less like an escape and more like an extension of “work”, causing some children to avoid books outside of school.
Parents and caregivers can play a vital role in turning around this problem though, fostering a love for reading within households, and by trying to implement eBooks or audiobooks into weekly routines. Hearing a story read aloud can make books feel more accessible, particularly for reluctant readers.
By making reading a relaxed, enjoyable, and integrated part of home life, parents can help children discover the joys of books in a way that feels authentic and inviting. Reading aloud to younger children or discussing a book helps create an environment where books are a valued part of life, something which will have a positive impact in the short-term and long-term of a child’s development.
Offering children the freedom to pick books of their interest will also help increase levels of reading for enjoyment. Allowing them to select books which they genuinely want to read can help prevent reading feeling like an extension of school work or a chore.
Sustainable printing: reducing environmental impact and educating the next generation
Comment by ANDREW WHYTE, Managing Director of LT Print Group
Sustainability has become a crucial consideration for schools as they look to reduce their environmental footprint. From energy consumption to waste management, there are many areas identified for improvement, but one often overlooked opportunity is sustainable printing.
Printing remains a necessity for educational institutions, supporting everything from classroom materials to administrative functions. However,
traditional printing methods can have significant environmental impacts. With the right strategies and printing partner, schools can transform this essential function into an opportunity to meet sustainability goals while maintaining efficiency and quality.
It is important to consider the environmental impact that printing has, for example water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the production of non-recycled paper and the use of solvent-based inks have a particularly high environmental cost.
Schools with high print volumes face a responsibility to minimise this impact. Sustainable printing practices address these issues by focusing on responsible sourcing, waste reduction, and energy efficiency. However, and arguably more importantly, by adopting eco-friendly practices, schools can lead by example, demonstrating to students, and parents, how theoretical lessons on sustainability translate into practical action.
Prioritising sustainable paper is the first action to take as switching to recycled or FSC-certified paper is one of the most impactful changes schools can make. FSC-certified paper ensures responsible forestry practices, while recycled paper reduces demand for virgin materials. Lightweight paper options can also be considered to reduce the environmental impact of large print jobs, such as annual reports or prospectuses.
After paper, another key consideration is ink. Many traditional inks are petroleum-based and contain harmful volatile organic compounds. Opting
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for water-based or vegetable-based inks can reduce emissions and improve biodegradability, aligning with sustainability goals.
Additionally, efficient design processes, ensuring layouts are finalised before printing, help prevent costly and wasteful reprints. Beyond this, outsourcing your printing needs can also help and selecting a printing partner committed to sustainability is key. Such providers offer sustainable practices, including energy-efficient production methods, responsible sourcing of materials, and advanced waste reduction systems. A capable partner can also advise on optimising print runs, selecting sustainable materials to reduce waste, when and where appropriate. Every step toward sustainability, whether choosing greener materials or using energy-efficient equipment, helps lower a school’s overall carbon footprint. These improvements align with broader sustainability objectives, from energy reduction targets to waste minimisation goals. As touched on earlier, it also helps to teach students about the importance of sustainable choices through real-world examples, such as recycling paper, tracking waste reduction efforts, or even developing sustainability campaigns tied to printing.
But there are other benefits and while sustainable printing might seem like an added expense, it often leads to long-term savings. Efficient print runs, optimised use of materials, and reduced reprints all contribute to lowering costs over time. Ideal for a time when budgets are being squeezed. We are all aware that sustainability is a journey, and schools don’t need to overhaul their printing practices overnight. However, by taking intentional steps, such as using greener materials, reducing waste, and partnering with an eco-conscious printing provider, then tangible progress can be made towards sustainability.
It can be overlooked, but every print job is an opportunity to align with sustainability objectives and reinforce a commitment to environmental responsibility. These practices not only benefit the planet but also enrich the educational experience, preparing the next generation to make informed and sustainable choices.
December 2024
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