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Laugh-out-loud stories more popular than fairy tales
Children are turning their backs on traditional fairy tales in favour of gag-laden stories dubbed ‘Jokelore’ according to research by the National Year of Reading.
Around 28% of parents say their children like laugh-out-loud stories by the likes of Roald Dahl rather than traditional fairy tales which just 12% of parents say their youngsters prefer.
The art of storytelling is also under threat, according to the study. Just under half of parents (49%) say their children are read to every day and watching TV or a DVD has replaced the bedtime story as the more common way to get children off to sleep.
The findings contrast with other research which shows that children as old as 12 wish they were read to much more often. There is also evidence that children who are read to, learn to read more quickly, and more confidently, and go on to enjoy reading throughout their lives.
The research was conducted to support the Telling Tales campaign – a search for and celebration of the UK’s most enthusiastic storytellers. It aims to encourage and inspire more parents to enjoy and feel confident about reading aloud with their children as part of the National Year of Reading.
Honor Wilson-Fletcher, Director of the National Year of Reading, said the trend towards ‘jokelore’ was not a surprise as “laughing and sharing stories together has to be one of life’s simple pleasures.”
She added: “It’s great to see so many parents embracing humour to make reading aloud really fun for both them and their children. But we need to get all parents confident as storytellers, reading aloud with their kids as a matter of habit.”
Comedian Jon Culshaw, who is supporting the launch of Telling Tales, said: “I remember when I was young I loved funny books told in funny ways by funny people – Spike Milligan and Michael Palin were particular favourites. So if parents are entering into the spirit and bringing storybooks alive through funny voices then that is good news for children. A bit of fun adds fuel to the imagination and also sprinkles that sense of mischief that children like so much.”
For more information pleases see:
www.yearofreading.org.uk
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