Evaluation of Children’s Reading Habit in Erunwon, Ijebu-North-East Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates Children reading habit in Erunwon, Ijebu-North-East, Ogun State. The survey research method was adopted. The study was conducted in three coaching centres in Erunwo, in Ijebu-North-East, Ogun State, during the lockdown. The population of the study consisted of children from the ages of 6 to 12 at Erunwon. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit information on level of reading; accessibility to books and the challenges of reading and an interview was schedule for interviewing the children on books preference and features affecting reading. The data collected were analyzed quantitatively with use of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Figures and tables were used to present the results of the findings. A total of 45questionnaire were distributed and 38 copies were filled and returned. The finding showed that the respondents spent less than 2hours to read and that the respondents liked reading adventures books with pictures. Also it revealed that parents do not buy books that are not part of recommended school textbooks. The respondents were hindered by many factors such as lack of conducive and well stocked school library, television, phone distraction and economic situation of parents. The study recommended among others that Government should implement the Policy of Education that directed the establishment of libraries in all schools, states and local government. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should be encouraged to donate books and build libraries. Holiday reading programmes should be encouraged by all schools during long vacation or summer holiday.