Children’s reading should prioritize joy, not just academic outcomes, experts argue
Original framing: “Children’s reading should prioritise pleasure over learning, says laureate” — The Guardian - World
In many non-Western educational systems, reading is embedded in cultural practices and oral traditions, emphasizing joy and meaning over performance. For example, in Japan, reading is often integrated with art and music, fostering a more holistic engagement with literature.
To truly transform children’s reading experiences, we must move beyond the narrow focus on academic performance and embrace a more holistic, culturally rich approach.
This involves integrating Indigenous and global storytelling traditions, supporting community-based literacy programs, and retraining educators to value joy and creativity in learning. By doing so, we can create a system that nurtures not just literacy, but a lifelong relationship with reading that is meaningful, inclusive, and joyful. The voices of marginalized communities and the insights of cross-cultural education models must be central to this transformation.