Get ’Em Reading! The Benefits of Reading Go Beyond the Page

Reading is about much more than books, spelling and English grades. It can open up opportunities, build confidence and help young people better understand themselves and the world around them.

In this episode of the Green Room podcast, we explore why reading matters, why some young people find it challenging, and how the right support can make a real difference.

Small Steps, Big Progress

Reading is a skill that develops with practice, encouragement and time. Even 15–20 minutes of regular reading can help young people improve their reading fluency, stamina and vocabulary. These skills can have a positive impact across the curriculum, helping students access exam papers and engage more confidently with their learning. But the benefits reach far beyond the classroom.

Finding the Words

Reading helps us develop language and build our vocabulary. The more words we have available to us, the better equipped we are to explain how we feel, communicate our needs and express ideas that can sometimes be difficult to put into words.

For young people who find it hard to describe their emotions or advocate for themselves, developing these skills can make a meaningful difference to everyday life.

Opening Up Opportunities

Strong reading skills help us navigate the world around us, from understanding instructions and completing qualifications to making informed decisions and accessing future opportunities.

Reading also introduces us to experiences, perspectives and lives beyond our own. By seeing the world through someone else’s eyes, we can develop empathy, emotional understanding and a greater appreciation of other people’s experiences.

Making Reading Accessible for Everyone

There is no single approach that works for every reader. Some young people face additional barriers, so it is important to understand their individual needs and find ways to make reading accessible. Audiobooks, text-to-speech tools, engaging topics and short, achievable reading sessions can all help.

And reading doesn’t have to mean falling in love with the classics. It’s about helping every young person develop the skills they need to access the world, communicate with confidence and discover what works for them.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of The Green Room podcast, Get ’Em Reading!, to explore the science behind reading, the barriers some young people face and practical ways we can help make reading more accessible for everyone.