Nursery World - Mutual effects in reading and behaviour

Behavioural problems in young boys have been linked in new research with difficulties they have in learning to read. A joint study by academics at King's College London and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, published in the January/ February issue of the US journal Child Development, concludes that reading problems and bad behaviour 'cause each other'.

A joint study by academics at King's College London and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, published in the January/ February issue of the US journal Child Development, concludes that reading problems and bad behaviour 'cause each other'.

A sample of 2,200 twins, born in England and Wales in 1994 and 1995, were tested on their readiness to read at five years old, just before starting school, and had their progress assessed at the age of seven.

Because the children involved were twins, the researchers were able to discount an underlying genetic reason for any link between behaviour and reading.

A second hypothesis concerned the effect of the home environment on reading skills, taking into account the mother's reading skills, parents' income, social class and education, but the study discounted this as well. Finally, the researchers asked whether poor reading and behavioural problems 'caused each other'.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included