‘The kids simply cannot handle it’: Why New York students are reading fewer books
This story originally appeared in New York Focus , a nonprofit news publication investigating power in New York. More than a decade ago, Queens teacher Nicole Radosti Pipia’s fifth- and sixth-grade students seemed to love reading novels in school. “The Giver” by Lois Lowry was prized for its mystery. “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio taught them about kindness and…
New York teachers are reporting a decline in students' interest and ability to read full-length novels in school. In the past, fifth and sixth grade students at Queens teacher Nicole Radosti Pipia's school read novels like "The Giver" and "Wonder," but now they prefer reading short excerpts and stories. Teachers are told to stick to a strict curriculum, leaving no time for novel studies, and students struggle with reading and lack stamina.
Another teacher said students either have no interest in reading or barely know how to read a book. Students at a rural New York school have seen a decline in endurance and attention span, with teachers assigning fewer novels due to students' inability to handle them. English teacher Lori Atkinson believes the decline started with the shift towards shorter literary works and greater focus on analyzing complex passages to prepare for standardized tests.
Teachers attribute the problem to students' lack of reading skills due to technology, social media, and the rise of artificial intelligence.
Written by urgent.news from Chalkbeat's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
