8 Reading Statistics that proves benefits of reading
Here are some key reading statistics and findings from the research paper “Reading Volume and Reading Achievement: A Review of Recent Research”:
In summary, key reading statistics in the united states highlight the positive impact even small amounts of consistent, engaged daily reading time can have on improving vocabulary, comprehension, and overall reading achievement. Self-selection of texts boosts benefits.
7,192 New Words Learned By Reading Just 15 Minutes Daily
Renaissance Learning. (2023).
What kids are reading: 2023 edition
New Studies Confirm: Reading Volume Drives Achievement
What are the reading statistics for 2023?
The table below shows the statistics about reading and success.(U.S. Literacy Rates by State [Updated June 2023])
| Key Statistics and Findings | Source |
|---|---|
| Students today spend less time reading in and out of school compared to previous generations | National Endowment for the Arts, 2007 |
| At age 17, students from low-income families exhibit a 4-year lag in reading achievement compared to higher income peers | Reading Research Quarterly 56(1) |
| On average, core reading programs provide only 7-15 minutes of actual daily reading time | Brenner & Hiebert, 2010 |
| Students who read just 15 minutes per day learned 7,192 cumulative words over a school year, while those reading less than 15 minutes learned only 1,482 words | Renaissance Learning. (2023). What kids are reading: 2023 edition |
| 4th graders reading 15+ minutes daily scored 71-82% on comprehension quizzes versus 63-74% for those reading less time | Renaissance Learning. (2023). What kids are reading: 2023 edition |
| Of below benchmark 4th graders, 32% reading 15+ minutes daily reached reading benchmark by year-end versus 21% reading less time | Renaissance Learning. (2023). What kids are reading: 2023 edition |
| Students allowed to choose their own books read more words than those assigned titles | Allington & McGill-Franzen, 2018 |
| Gifting 10-12 self-selected summer books for 3 years helped low-income students gain almost a full year more in reading versus peers | Reading Research Quarterly 56(1) |
In summary, these statistics about reading benefits highlight the positive impact even small amounts of consistent, engaged daily reading time can have on improving vocabulary, comprehension, and overall reading achievement. Statistics on reading books shows that self-selection of texts boosts benefits.
More Reading Time Yields More Reading Gains: The Evidence Is Clear
Here are some nuggets that we pulled from the latest reading statistics
15 Minutes: The Magic Number for Reading Gains
Renaissance Learning. (2023).
What kids are reading: 2023 edition
Less Than 15 Minutes of Reading Stunts Vocabulary Growth
Renaissance Learning. (2023).
What kids are reading: 2023 edition
10-12 Summer Books Gifts Boost Reading Achievement
Reading Research Quarterly
60 Minutes: Experts’ Daily Reading Recommendations
Renaissance Learning. (2023).
What kids are reading: 2023 edition
7 Minutes: All Some Programs Provide for Daily Reading
Brenner & Hiebert, 2010
17-Year Reading Lag Between Rich and Poor Students
Reading Research Quarterly
4th Graders: 32% Reach Reading Benchmark with 15 Minutes of Reading
Renaissance Learning. (2023).
What kids are reading: 2023 edition
71-82%: Quiz Scores When Reading 15+ Minutes
Renaissance Learning. (2023).
What kids are reading: 2023 edition
4 Years: Lag in Reading Achievement By Age 17
Reading Research Quarterly
Just 15 Extra Minutes Reading Makes a Measurable Difference. Reading and success statistics Shows Reading Gains Hinge on Time Spent Reading. Reading facts for parents
