Ages 10 to 12 are a critical stage in a child’s development as they are growing more independent, asking big questions, and exploring who they are.

According to Nalani Singarum, academic advisor at ADvTECH Schools, this is also the moment when reading can make the biggest difference.

Books provide a safe space for pre-teens to imagine, think critically, and understand others.

Reading boosts vocabulary, empathy and confidence, and children who enjoy books at this age are more likely to keep reading into their teen years, despite digital distractions.

A 2024 study from Columbia University’s Teachers College found that paper-based reading helps children process complex information more deeply.

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This age marks the shift from “learning to read” to “reading to learn,” making strong reading habits essential.

How parents can help:
Create a reading-friendly home by reading side by side before bedtime, encouraging reading in everyday situations (maps, menus, instructions), playing word games, setting up riddle treasure hunts, and helping children share books with friends.

How schools can help:

Schools play a vital role in making reading enjoyable and social. Structured programmes like book clubs, creative reviews, literature circles, and visual literacy tasks show students that stories are exciting experiences, not chores.

Singarum emphasises that at ages 10–12, children are shaping their identities. When adults nurture a love of reading, they’re not just helping academically, they’re giving young people lifelong tools for understanding themselves and the world.