The Scotsman has run an
article about recent research conducted by
The Federation of Children's Book Groups, which found that J.K.Rowling's books have had a positive effect on children and literacy.
Quote:
Almost six out of 10 children (59%) think the books have helped them improve their reading skills. And 48% say Rowling's creation is the reason they read more.
84% of teachers say Harry Potter has helped improve child literacy and 67% claimed the series has turned non-readers into readers.
Quote:
Colin Harrison, professor of literacy studies at the University of Nottingham, who contributed to the research, said: "The sheer pervasiveness of JK Rowling's books means Harry Potter will certainly have impacted on children's literacy levels.
"Reading and re-reading books is very valuable in building fluency, and there is a strong link between reading books for pleasure and improvement in word recognition and comprehension."
Quote:
Reading a Harry Potter book stretches a child's ability. More than half (51%) of the 1,000 children surveyed thought the books were tough to read but worth sticking with.
Teachers also think Rowling's clever writing and plot development are a challenge to youngsters, with 73% claiming to be surprised that children manage to read the books at all.
Quote:
Alison Lewis, who teaches English to pupils aged 11 to 17 at the Wester Hailes Education Centre in Edinburgh, said: "There has been a lot of excitement in the last few weeks of term about the new Harry Potter book. They are fascinated by what is going to happen next. The characters in the books appeal to girls while the boys seem more interested in the storyline. The most important thing is that it gets them interested in reading."
The rest of the article can be read
here.
Source:
The Leaky Cauldron 
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The Potter effect on children 
Aubrey Graham 
