It’s a common cry heard by many teachers; children aren’t reading enough and spending too much time on their devices.

The Forest High School answered the call in presenting a ‘Building a Reading Culture’ event, on Wednesday 2 July, featuring avid reader, writer and alumnus, Jane Caro.

Head of English Sarah Peachman said the event aimed to help parents encourage reading at home and presented a model of how to be a reader.

“Reading for pleasure not only exposes children to expression, vocabulary and syntax which will help their own writing, it also helps build a conceptual understanding of the world beyond their own experience,” Ms Peachman said.

“This helps build empathetic and thoughtful citizens.”

The impact of reading at home is also felt at school. Ms Peachman noted that being a strong reader can make a strong writer, and this has a positive influence on many school subjects.

It can also help in the delivery and pacing of literacy programs.

“You can't run a literacy program that offsets a child who doesn't read at home. You can’t leave them behind when trying to help,” she said.

Keynote speaker Jane Caro, who credits her time at The Forest High School as providing her with a solid basis for careers in advertising, journalism and as an author, believes the point of reading is pleasure.

“It’s the pleasure of story, imagination and finding out facts for yourself; all of which create a well-stocked mind,” Ms Caro said

“A well-stocked mind prepares you for every job and gives you the ability to empathise.”

Also presenting at the event were Year 11 students Georgie Denly and Ankita Sriram who shared their experiences and ideas on reading for pleasure.

"Building a strong reading culture starts with 10 minutes and one good story,” Georgie said.

"More than that, stepping into other people’s shoes in an immersive way that other media just can’t provide helps develop your sense of empathy at a crucial age.”

Ankita, who initially thought a day at the library was just procrastination, discovered that reading has sharpened her vocabulary, speaking and diction, to the point where if she sees a biology term she doesn’t know she can still answer the question with confidence.

"But let's be real, it's harder to fall for fake news if you've read enough dystopias," she said.

Building a Reading Culture was also open to local primary school parents, with activities on hand for younger children, as well as a presentation from the Northern Beaches Library Services.

All participants left with a ‘blind date with a book’, a gift-wrapped, age-appropriate book for a welcome surprise at home.

For parents, they left with ideas on how to get books into the home more regularly, including advice on ‘procrastinating’ in the library.

“For example, they can read the same book as their teenage child and talk about it over dinner,” Ms Peachman said.

Ideas for building a reading culture at home, as discussed at the event including:

• Having books and keeping them visible in your home

• Discussing literature and books at home

• Read books your children enjoy, even if it means reading the Gruffalo 17,000 times

• Read aloud to your kids no matter the age

• Have a parents’ book club