Secondary school teachers observe: an increasing number of schoolchildren still struggle with grammatically and orthographically correct German when transitioning to upper secondary school. We also notice this in our high school preparation courses and individual tutoring. In our opinion, this is largely due to children reading books less and less frequently at home. Studies show a clear correlation between a child’s academic performance and regular recreational reading at home.
Because: reading at home has been proven to foster a child’s vocabulary. The same applies to correct grammar and spelling. Writing style also benefits, as children who read at home unconsciously imitate the writing style of the books they read. All of this is extremely important for both German school grades and the high school entrance exam, with its heavily weighted essay component.
Furthermore, reading promotes a child’s concentration skills. This benefits them in all subjects and forms the basis for successful learning in primary and secondary school. Studies even show that reading books at home is one of the most important factors for a child’s academic success – even more so, for example, than the socioeconomic background from which the children come.
We therefore strongly recommend promoting reading at home as early as possible. Parents who read aloud to their children frequently at home ease their transition to independent reading. Children also read more often in households where books are always visible and accessible. It is worthwhile to regularly visit the library with your child so they can choose books they enjoy. And finally, to encourage reading, it is essential to limit daily screen time so that reading becomes an attractive alternative to boredom.
It’s worth it! Because a child who enjoys reading at home has already done half the work for academic success.
