Reading is something that I have always been passionate about. I think it is the biggest gift that one can have in life. I have enjoyed reading right from my childhood and was encouraged by my mother to read…first through Amar Chitra Kathas and stories with morals \and continue to read for a while everyday even today…
As parents and educators, it is vital that we inculcate in our children a love for reading. We need to start by first reading stories to them when they are small and unable to read by themselves. Slowly, we need to introduce books to them, first with pictures that make them interesting to watch and get excited about, and later with simple books phonetically encouraging the young readers to read by themselves.
Our young learners should be encouraged to read by themselves, and this needs to be followed by asking them what the story was about in order to ensure that they also comprehend what they read. We can give them stars or a positive reinforcement in some manner or the other to encourage them. There are several reading programmes available today that make reading a fun activity like RazKids.(https://www.kidsa-z.com). We at Legacy have found that our young learners who are using the RazKids programme have shown a great improvement in their reading, writing and speaking skills.
It is only those who read right from their childhood, who tend to read as they grow older. Some of the advantages of reading include
Cognitive benefits –
- Strengthens the brain
- Improves general knowledge
- Builds and enhances vocabulary
- Improves writing skills
- Stronger analytical thinking skills
- Improving speaking skills
- Improves focus and concentration
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Social benefits –
- Increases your ability to empathize
- A most pleasurable activity
- Builds self-confidence
- Gives an insight into the world view of others
General benefits –
- Benefitting both physical and mental health
- Bypass too much TV watching
- Prepares you for a good night’s rest
- Reduces stress
Reading is contagious!!
We must all encourage our young learners to read everyday!!!! We need to lead by example as parents and educators . . .
A few tips on ways in which one can encourage reading include –
- DEAR (Drop everything and read) – even if it is for just 15 minutes
- Gift books to your children and encourage them to share the books with their friends
- Reflect on their reading – the characters, setting, plot and solution along with what they think about the story. Even ask them to compare it with how they live, eat and what they would do if they were one of the characters . . .
- Create a cozy and comfortable Reading Corner with a rug and cushions, a soft blanket, their favourite cartoon characters, thereby creating a conducive environment for reading
- Make it a game and exciting and fun
- Ask your child to make up stories
- Ask your child to help you – simple things like looking up store hours, simple instructions, or ingredients on a food packet
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-reading-books
https://ideapod.com/15-incredible-benefits-reading-read-every-day
https://educationtothecore.com/2017/01/15-reading-strategies-primary-learners
https://www.verywellfamily.com/strategies-to-improve-reading-skills-at-home-or-school-2162262
Student and Parent Voices
About the Author
Vandana Malik, Primary Educator and a Montessorian
With a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and a Diploma in Experiential Education and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) as well as Montessori teaching experience, she is a passionate and dedicated educator. The love for books has made her a voracious reader with an endless love for learning. Her philosophy is based on the famous quote by Benjamin Franklin – “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
She imbibes in the children a desire to ask questions and find answers for themselves through experiences by creating a conducive environment to explore and providing a safe and nurturing environment. She goes by the belief – that we must all bring out the child in ourselves and be a child with our children!