Pleasure Reading Supports Students’ School Performance
Reading for fun can make a big difference for your child’s success in school. Research has consistently shown that middle school students who read for pleasure tend to have higher grades in subjects like English, math, science and history compared to those who don’t.
To help your middle schooler discover the joy of reading:
· Keep reading materials handy. Fill your home with books, magazines and other interesting reading materials.
· Help your middle schooler establish a consistent, daily reading habit. Make sure your child has a well-lit and quiet space to focus.
· Take trips to the library or bookstore together. Explore different genres and see what sparks your child’s interest. Have your child ask a librarian or bookseller for recommendations.
· Make it a family affair. When family members are reading and enjoying it, your child sees that reading can be a fun and engaging activity.
· Don’t force your child to finish reading a book that’s “boring.” Pleasure reading should be enjoyable!
· Read aloud. Middle schoolers aren’t too old for this. Take turns reading to each other. Or have your child read to a younger sibling.
· Discuss books. Share a book you’ve recently enjoyed with your child. Or, ask your child to tell you about a favorite book.
Reprinted with permission from Parents Still make the difference!® newsletter. Copyright © 2026 The Parent Institute®, a division of PaperClip Media, Inc. Source: C. Whitten and others, “The Impact of Pleasure Reading on Academic Success,” The Journal of Multidisciplinary Graduate Research.