đź“° Adult Literacy News Summary
Reading shortcuts for children may be popular, but the research doesn't back them up
26-Apr-2026 - UK
Reading enjoyment is at its lowest level for two decades, according to the National Literacy Trust's annual survey. This matters because books expose children to a broader and richer vocabulary than everyday conversation, giving them access to words and language patterns they are less likely to hear. Researchers do not point to a single cause for the decline, but studies suggest a mix of competing activities, weaker reading motivation and limited access to books that match children's interests. We do have strong evidence about one crucial ingredient. Children need to learn how print represents speech sounds and practice decoding until word reading becomes accurate and fluent. That's why phonics—the teaching of letter-sound relationships to help children sound out written words—is embedded in early literacy instruction.
Read moreTeens Are Falling Out Of Love With Reading. Teachers Share What They Think's Behind It
25-Apr-2026 - UK
Just one in three kids aged eight to 18 years old say they enjoy reading in their free time. In a TikTok video, a teacher known as Ms C, admitted one of her students had revealed they’d never finished a book before. Discussing why older kids are reading less, she said there are “many reasons” like “increased pressure inside and outside of school, a desire to spend more time socialising, and, of course, the phones”. But an even more “obvious” reason, she said, is that “adults have lowered the bar for how much you should read as a teenager” to the point where “the bar cannot be found”.
Read moreCharity receives record number of childrens books donations
25-Apr-2026 - UK
A charity has received more than 1,000 donated children’s books after a successful public campaign. The campaign was run by Oxford-based PR agency Fortitude Communications, which supported Bicester literacy charity Assisted Reading for Children (ARCh) in its search for good-quality softback books to use in primary schools. Books were donated by business owners, schools, and authors during National Storytelling Week
Read moreThe Power of Reading: An inspirational reader story
24-Apr-2026 - UK
This story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to learn, and that with the right support, lives can be transformed. David had a tough start in life with health problems keeping him out of school so much, he never learned to read properly. Fortunately, his father knew how much he wanted to improve and was determined to find him the help he needed. He turned to Read Easy when he realised its one-to-one coaching sessions would be perfect for his son
Read more7 things I wish people knew about dyslexia
24-Apr-2026 - UK
A new animated film has been developed to challenge negative attitudes and misconceptions about dyslexia, after research found that many children feel “hopeless” because of how the learning difference is often described. The charity Made By Dyslexia, which is behind the animation, surveyed 5,000 dyslexic adults and young people, along with their parents and teachers, including 2,000 participants from the UK.
Read moreWorthing football club supports children reading campaign
21-Apr-2026 - UK
A powerful new campaign is using the power of sport to champion childhood literacy. Worthing Football Club partnered with the BeSeenReading scheme to launch a two-day event promoting the importance of reading to young people and families. The initiative is led by Arundel-based charity Children Reading for Life and aims to make reading a "visible, accessible and aspirational" part of daily life.
Read moreFree monthly book parcels for families to boost literacy and wellbeing for children in crisis
21-Apr-2026 - UK
Hull-based charity Sailors’ Children’s Society has launched two national BookTrust programmes, Story Explorers and Letterbox Club, to support younger children on its scheme, helping to build literacy, confidence, and emotional wellbeing. The programmes will provide free monthly book parcels to families, bringing reading into the home in a fun, engaging, and accessible way.
Read moreSchool tackles 'daunting' Covid reading setback
17-Apr-2026 - UK
A school which saw a "daunting" 35% drop in pupils' reading skills following the Covid-19 pandemic says it is making significant progress in helping its youngsters catch up. Assessments at the beginning of the academic year in September 2023 found almost a quarter of children at Netherhall School in Maryport, Cumbria, had below average or very low reading skills.
Read moreFree books for World Book Night at Devon libraries
17-Apr-2026 - UK
World Book Night, marked annually on April 23, aims to encourage adults to rediscover reading for pleasure and take part in the Reading Hour between 7 and 8pm. The initiative, led in partnership with The Reading Agency, will see community members receive copies of The Last Bench by Carmel Harrington on April 23.
Read moreThe Reading Agency Launches Prison Reading Campaign
17-Apr-2026 - UK
The Reading Agency today announces a landmark UK prison reading campaign, made possible with the generous support of The Henry Smith Foundation during the government-backed National Year of Reading. Marking the 20th anniversary of its flagship Quick Reads programme, The Reading Agency will work in collaboration with prison partners to deliver 480,000 books into prisons across the UK, ensuring that every person in prison has access to high-quality, accessible reading
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