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learndirect reveals 744,000 parents* can’t cope with children’s stories

New research released today reveals that one in ten parents (12%) are struggling to understand books they read to their children.

The research, commissioned by learndirect, the UK’s largest provider of literacy skills and qualifications, reveals one in five (23%) parents admit to making words up or skipping parts in a bid to get story-time over with. These results are released as storytelling enjoys a renaissance**. It is now the favourite family pastime with 73% preferring it to playing in the park or watching TV.

To help parents who might feel let down by their maths and English skills learndirect is launching a new children’s book called ‘Where Did The River Go?’. It is written by children’s author Peter Corey and celebrity parents Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford. The book contains challenges for adults to gauge their skills levels as kids enjoy the story.

Eamonn Holmes, who helped create the storybook says “Reading together as a family is very important to us. It’s an opportunity for quality time and we can do it anywhere. Ruth and I worked closely with Peter on this book and some of the puzzles really made me question my own maths skills. It’s a good way to test yourself but it doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of reading with your kids.”

Child psychologist Dr Pat Spungin believes family reading is an activity which is critical for both child and parent development. She says “learndirect’s research found, on average, parents read to their children four times a week for 20 minutes a time which is encouraging. Parents should aim for twenty minutes every day to nurture a child’s imagination and learning skills. A good story also helps to develop their morals and values. There’s something in it for parents too as it’s an opportunity to build a relationship with a child by delving into their world.”

Story-time is not the only challenge parents face. Overall, 3.2 million parents* feel challenged by their children’s homework. A third (33%) encounter difficulties when helping their children with their maths studies and one in five (20%) have problems with English tasks. Fractions and percentages cause the most problems with 18% admitting finding them stressful.

Sally Coady from learndirect adds “Recent studies have shown there are 26 million adults*** across the UK who have a maths or English need. However, it’s not just at work where a lack of skills might hold them back. Our book has been written to be fun to read first and foremost but it also offers adults an opportunity to think about how they can brush up on their maths and English if they need to. We have more than 800 learndirect centres across the country running flexible courses to equip people with the skills and qualifications they need to help them get ahead and build their confidence.”

Visit the learndirect website www.wheredidtherivergo.co.uk to find out more on how to get your free copy of ‘Where Did The River Go?’ The books are limited edition so are only available while stocks last.