Turkey's PISA reading score fell by 10 points between 2018 and 2022. This was the largest decline across all three assessed areas.
The PISA reading section measures work with long, complex texts: comparing multiple sources, evaluating an author's intent, and distinguishing conflicting information. The primary source for this skill is not a textbook; it is reading volume.
This article addresses how to build that volume.
Why it matters: The compounding gap
One of the most consistent findings in reading research is that the performance gap grows over time.
The mechanism works like this:
- A child who reads well enjoys reading and reads more.
- By reading more, they encounter more words.
- As their vocabulary expands, they understand texts more easily.
- Because comprehension is easier, they read even more.
For a struggling child, the cycle runs in reverse: reading feels hard, so they read less, their vocabulary remains limited, and texts become even harder.
The result: a small gap in second grade becomes a chasm by eighth grade. And this gap is not limited to reading class—every subject relies on reading comprehension.
How vocabulary is acquired
The vast majority of words are learned through exposure in context, not direct instruction. When children see a word in several different sentences, they infer its meaning naturally.
Written language also has a noticeably richer vocabulary than spoken language. Most words rarely heard in daily conversation appear only in books.
That is why a "talkative family" and a "child who reads a lot" do not yield the same outcome. Both are valuable, but they unlock different word pools.
Interventions that work
1. Start reading aloud early and do not stop too soon
Reading aloud to a child is one of the most supported practices prior to formal reading. A lesser-known fact is that continuing after the child starts reading independently remains valuable.
The reason is mechanical: the level of text a child can understand by listening stays years ahead of what they can read on their own. Reading aloud provides access to rich language while decoding skills catch up.
Stopping read-alouds at age five removes this bridge prematurely.
2. Let the child choose
Studies on reading habits consistently show that children who choose their own books read more.
This applies to genres often dismissed as lacking value. Comics, humor, horror, and book series all contribute to vocabulary and fluency.
If forced to choose between parental literary taste and reading volume, choose volume. Taste develops later; if the habit never forms, nothing follows.
3. Increase access
A strong link between books in the home and reading performance has been reported in many countries. While part of this stems from socioeconomic status, access itself remains an independent factor.
Practically speaking: keeping books visible and accessible, getting library cards, and visiting secondhand bookstores. The cost does not have to be as high as expected.
4. Model the behavior
A parent who never reads will have little success telling a child to "go read." Children copy actions, not advice.
This does not require hours of reading. Simply reading visibly—newspapers, magazines, or books—frames reading as a normal adult activity.
5. Protect reading time
The 20 minutes before bedtime is often the most effective window. Once established as a routine, it ceases to be a negotiation.
Given the impact of screens on sleep, replacing pre-bed screen time with a book delivers a dual benefit.
6. Talk about what they read
Avoid asking "What did you read?" and instead ask "Why do you think that character did that?" or "What would you have done?" These questions require active processing of the text.
This is precisely the skill PISA measures: thinking about a text, not merely reading it.
What backfires
- Reward systems. Giving rewards per page can boost volume temporarily, but it turns reading into a chore for a reward. When the reward stops, reading stops.
- Mandatory book reports. Requiring a summary after every book turns reading into homework.
- Forcing grade-level difficulty. Pushing a book because it is "where they should be" alienates struggling readers. Reading an easy book is far better than reading nothing.
- Forcing kids to read aloud. Unprepared oral reading is stressful and discouraging, especially for children with reading difficulties.
- Comparison. Saying "Your sibling was reading this at your age" turns reading into a competition.
Audiobooks and digital reading
A frequent question is whether audiobooks count.
A distinction must be made:
- For comprehension and vocabulary: Listening exposes children to rich language, making it valuable.
- For decoding skills: Listening does not practice letter-sound mapping. Reading fluency develops only through reading.
Audiobooks are a supplement, not a replacement. They serve as a helpful tool for accessing content, particularly for children with reading difficulties.
Findings on digital reading are mixed; some studies indicate a slight advantage for print with long texts. The difference is small and debated—the key factor is distraction. Notifications on the same device break reading focus.
What happens in adolescence
The steepest drop in reading volume occurs during adolescence. Reasons are multiple: competing time demands, peer norms, academic workload, and screens.
Strategies that work during this phase differ:
- Full autonomy over topic selection—anything connected to their interests counts.
- Shorter formats count too: articles, essays, and magazines.
- Force backfires most sharply at this age. r
- Shared reading—reading the same book and discussing it can serve as a bonding tool.
Frequently asked questions
My child does not want to read at all
First, determine whether it is a struggle or a lack of interest. If reading is visibly slow or difficult, skill might be the issue rather than interest, requiring evaluation.
How much should they read per day?
There is no fixed target. Consistency matters more than length. 15 minutes every day is better than 2 hours once a week.
Do comic books count?
Yes. They build vocabulary and support the reading habit. They also serve as effective bridge books.
Does reading increase intelligence?
Vocabulary and general knowledge are direct components of crystallized intelligence. In that sense, the link is real. However, causality is not one-way. If you would like insight into your child's general reasoning skills, you can take our free IQ test together.