“READING can take you places you have never been before.” The famous quote from children’s author Dr Seuss has never been more relevant than it is today.

A recent study found that in the first year of secondary school, more than four in 10 students still do not know enough words to achieve top grades.

Primary and secondary school teachers told researchers there had been a rise in the number of pupils suffering from a “word gap” that could affect their education.

However, there is a solution for parents who are hoping to help their children thrive in school - the more parents encourage reading at home, the better a child’s chances of achieving higher GCSE grades.

At Chase High in Westcliff, improving literacy has been a priority at the school for two years. Led by head of English, Liz Bailey, the school has 20 minutes of reading every day as part of its DEAR program (Drop Everything and Read).

They have also held a Big Book Giveaway, giving out books as prizes for hard-working students. Struggling students are involved in a reading intervention every day and there is a video blog being set up for students and teachers to talk about their favourite books.

Mrs Bailey has investigated the link between reading age at Key Stage Three and final GCSE results.

Students who achieved a level 8, equivalent to an old A*, in English language at their GCSES had, on average, a reading age of 14 in Year Nine. This contrasts with students who achieved a level 3 in the same subject having an average reading age of 10 in Year Nine.

Mrs Bailey said: “The most important thing a parent can do in order to help a child improve his or her reading is know your child’s reading age, so you can help them choose books suitable for their ability.

“If your children see you reading, they are more likely to as well. There is so much brilliant young adult fiction out at the moment that students and parents can enjoy together.

“Don’t be strict on your child’s reading taste, let them read what they want to. Open their eyes to new books; you never know, there may be another genre to enjoy.”

All schools should hold details of a child’s reading age and will provide parents with details if requested.

Lionel Bolton, head of English and languages at Oxford University Press which commissioned the recent research said: “Whether a child is in Year Seven, or Year 11, if there are words in a task that they do not understand, they will struggle. Our duty is to ensure that all students are equipped with the words they need for a lifetime of opportunities.”

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