Why “More Reading” Isn’t Always the Answer

“Just get them to read more.”
It’s one of the most common pieces of advice given to parents — and one I quietly disagree with.

I work with many children who read every night. They turn the pages, say the words, and tick the box. Yet they don’t understand what they’ve read, don’t enjoy it, and don’t see themselves as readers.

Over time, reading becomes something to survive rather than something to enjoy.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth

Time spent reading does not automatically equal progress.

If a child is repeatedly reading texts that are too hard, or practising strategies that don’t suit how they learn, frustration builds quietly. Confidence drops. Motivation fades.

From the outside, it can look like laziness.
In reality, it’s often confusion.

Not all children benefit from independent reading at the same stage.

Some children need:

• explicit instruction in decoding

• support with vocabulary and sentence meaning

• guided conversations about texts

Before reading independently becomes meaningful.

What parents can try at home

Instead of asking “How long did you read?”, try asking “What did you understand?”

Simple changes that help:

• Have them read their interest topic- they enjoy elephants? Get books on elephants!

• Read with your child and pause to talk

• Ask “What just happened?” or “Why did that happen?”

• Re-read familiar books to build confidence

• Let your child hear you read more complex texts

These moments matter more than minutes.

A quiet truth I see every week

When reading finally makes sense, children don’t need to be forced to read more — they want to.

That’s often what happens when literacy support is targeted and personal. At Always Education, I see confidence grow fastest when children feel understood, not rushed.