This case-study offers an exploration of the role children’s voices have in promoting reading for pleasure and the lessons that can be learnt from listening to the children themselves with regards to their reading for pleasure habits, attitudes and desires. By encouraging children to explore and vocalise their reading for pleasure habits, attitudes and desires, it was hoped that both teachers and students would gain a better understanding of how to promote reading for pleasure. Over the course of a week, and following the relevant research ethics approvals, a group of 28 Year 5 students within one primary school setting participated in a reading for pleasure questionnaire, where their reading for pleasure habits, attitudes and desires were explored. Following this, 10 participants were identified to attend a followup focus group, 5 children who identified as having a high reading for pleasure and 5 children who identified as having a low reading for pleasure. Two months from the first data collection, two focus groups were conducted and provided useful data. Analysis from both methods of inquiry suggest children are most concerned with the reading environment in which they can explore without being rushed, the opportunity to engage in regular discussions around reading, sharing recommendations and reading experiences with their peers, teacher and parents, having access to modern, highquality resources and the opportunity to investigate the ever-changing concept of reading. Although case studies are not generalisable, this study reflects on and illuminates the wider implications of listening to children’s voices when promoting reading for pleasure within primary school settings in the United Kingdom (UK).
The full text of these resource are only available to Oxford Brookes staff and students. Please login to RADAR if you are a student or member of staff
Joseph, Caitlin
Rights Holders: Joseph, Caitlin Supervisors: Dalrymple, Roger
School of Education
MA Education
2021
© Joseph, Caitlin Published by Oxford Brookes UniversityAll rights reserved