How schools are reviving fading reading habits

Not long ago, a dog-eared library card was every student’s treasure. Today, screens have replaced storybooks, and scrolling often wins over storytelling. The decline in reading habits is a reality that schools, parents, and educators are grappling with. But why is it happening, and what can be done? 

Ask a group of teenagers about their favourite book, and many may pause longer than you expect. Research shows that attention spans are shrinking, thanks to the instant gratification of reels, shorts, and quick entertainment. Reading, once a leisurely escape, is now often perceived as ‘time-consuming’. Even in younger students, the lure of gadgets competes fiercely with bedtime stories. 

Why It Matters?

Reading is not just about literacy; it builds empathy, imagination, and critical thinking. A student who reads regularly tends to write better, communicate clearly, and even perform better academically. Beyond marks, books offer something screens rarely do — silence, reflection, and depth.

Schools Take the Lead

Recognising the shift, schools are reimagining how they promote reading. Morning assemblies now feature ‘One-minute Book Talks’, where students introduce a favourite title. Libraries are transforming into vibrant hubs with bean bags, graphic novels, and digital reading corners. Some schools even gamify the process; students earn badges for completing genres, from mystery to mythology.

At Apeejay Education, teachers often integrate literature into subjects: history lessons may include excerpts from historical fiction, while science classes borrow from adventure tales. This not only excites students but also bridges learning with imagination.

Bringing Back the Magic

Reviving reading habits is less about enforcing and more about inspiring. Schools encourage parents to read alongside children, creating “family reading hours.” Book clubs, literary fests, and author interactions add sparkle to the experience. Even audiobooks and e-libraries are embraced, not as replacements but as gateways to a lifelong love of words.

“Today, the siren of the digital world, completely dissolved the solitude of books, souls that delved deep in logic, left the libraries alone, people started being engraved in devices, forgetting how to sit on the reading throne. Schools being the sanctuaries of these endangered habits helps not only to promote literacy by encouraging libraries and book fairs but also rekindling a love of reading in the new generation, giving success a pre-preparation,” Janvi Sharma, a Class IX, at Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg, Jalandhar, shared. 

The story of reading isn’t ending; it’s evolving. While screens may dominate, the quiet charm of books still has the power to enchant. All it needs is a little nudge from schools, families, and communities — to remind children that the best journeys often begin on a printed page.