Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, including links to RTL English. If you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Many parents notice that a child who loved books at 6 or 7 reads for fun less often by 9 or 10. Surveys suggest this is common. Understanding why it happens makes it easier to keep reading enjoyable.
In this guide
What the surveys show
Scholastic’s Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report found a notable drop around this age: in its 2019 edition, the share of children reading books for fun five to seven days a week fell from 57% of 8-year-olds to 35% of 9-year-olds. Surveys like this measure reading habits, not ability, but they suggest the late primary years are a time to pay attention to reading for pleasure.
Why the drop can happen
- Harder books: texts become longer and more complex, and children who are not yet fluent may find them tiring.
- Competition for time: screens, activities and homework.
- Less reading aloud: many families stop reading to children once they can read alone.
- Less choice: if most reading is assigned, it can feel like work.
Is your child an independent reader?
Reading-independence check
Tick what applies. Use it to spot where a little encouragement could help.
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How to keep children reading
- Keep reading aloud, even to confident readers.
- Let children choose, including comics, graphic novels and non-fiction.
- Make time and space: a regular slot before bed works for many families.
- Visit the library and talk about books as a family.
- If reading itself is still effortful, support fluency with short, regular practice.
The National Literacy Trust: support for parents and families has more ideas for encouraging reading for pleasure at home.
Structured fluency support
If effortful reading is part of the problem, structured practice can help alongside books your child enjoys.
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About RTL English Level 4 (Independent Reader, ages 6–8)
According to the seller, Level 4 is a digital home learning pack of 36 printable workbooks with 1,820 exercises, 790 activities and 1,121 notes for parents, designed for children aged 6–8. We have not tested it ourselves, and individual results vary.
See RTL English Level 4 on the seller’s site →
Prices, sales and refund terms change. Check the current price and the seller’s guarantee terms before buying. This is an affiliate link: we may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for reading for fun to drop?
Surveys suggest it is common around this age, but it is not inevitable. Choice, time and reading aloud all help.
Do comics and graphic novels count?
Yes. Any reading your child enjoys builds stamina and vocabulary.
Should I limit screen time to encourage reading?
Many families find a regular screen-free reading slot helpful. Making reading enjoyable is more effective than using it as a punishment or chore.
When should I worry?
If your child avoids reading because it is very difficult, talk to their teacher about a reading assessment.
Affiliate resource
About RTL English Level 4 (Independent Reader, ages 6–8)
According to the seller, Level 4 is a digital home learning pack of 36 printable workbooks with 1,820 exercises, 790 activities and 1,121 notes for parents, designed for children aged 6–8. We have not tested it ourselves, and individual results vary.
See RTL English Level 4 on the seller’s site →
Prices, sales and refund terms change. Check the current price and the seller’s guarantee terms before buying. This is an affiliate link: we may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Sources and further reading
- Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report
- National Reading Panel: Teaching Children to Read (NICHD, 2000)
- Foundational Skills to Support Reading for Understanding in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade (IES What Works Clearinghouse practice guide)
- National Literacy Trust: support for parents and families
Last reviewed October 2026.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to RTL English. If you buy through them, JNR Epic Tales may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We have not tested RTL English ourselves; product details come from the seller’s website, and individual results vary. This article is general educational information. If you are worried about your child’s reading, speak to their teacher, school or a qualified specialist.
