Sharp decline in writing by primary school children
A sharp decline in children's writing is being blamed on a lack of enjoyment when pupils put pen to paper, according to a new report. Figures from the National Literacy Trust reveal just one fifth of children and young people (20.7%) write daily outside the classroom and more than a quarter (28 percent) of children rarely or never write something that isn't for school.
The charity is warning this decline could have a serious impact of children's attainment, as the research also shows that children who enjoy writing are seven times more likely to write above the level for their age. The charity says the main reason is because the focus is very much on spelling, punctuation and grammar rather than the enjoyment of just writing for fun.
They also say the Government did a very big push on reading for pleasure, now the focus needs to change to writing. Electronic gadgets, phones etc, they say, are not so much to blame as the fact children just don't write for pleasure.