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Promoting reading / Encouraging reading habits
The popularity of electronic media for news and entertainment and the lack of time have nearly killed the habit of reading. Most parents know that it is important to read to their child but many don’t find the time to do so. Questions like what kind of books to buy and how much time to spend reading each day, arise.
One is reminded of the ease with which Atticus Finch teaches his daughter, Jean Scout Louise to read in Pulitzer Prize winning novel, To Kill a Mocking Bird. He sits her in his lap when he is reading while simultaneously pointing to the words. Atticus reads to his daughter from newspapers and magazines as if she is an adult who can understand issues at his level. By the time Scout attends her first day of school she is highly literate, far surpassing the other children in the classroom .The book may be a work of fiction, but recent research in the area has indicated that reading can be caught, not just taught!
Reading is fundamental. But what a lot of children these days don’t realize is that it is fun too. The most important benefits are bonding, vocabulary, and imagination. When you sit with your toddler on your lap and read to him, a special kind of sharing and bonding takes place. The child feels loved and develops a sense of security. He also feels important because his parent is giving him undivided attention. As he starts following the storyline, he starts recognizing letters. He also hears new words, which he may not get to do in every day conversation. A child’s interest in the written word, his concentration level, his ability to listen, and his exposure to new situations also increase if read to regularly. While hearing a story being read out aloud, a child learns to visualize and he often uses characters from a book in imaginative play. This increases his creativity, which is very important for his life later on.
Be selective when choosing books for your toddler. Buy ones with large, clear, bright and cheerful illustrations. Ensure that the text is short and simple. These are the best pre-reading books as they promote creative expression and early linguistic skills. Some toddler prefers rhyming books even if the rhymes don’t make any sense. Board books are good for your child to read alone as he won’t be able to tear out the pages. Cloth books are also beneficial as they encourage and enhance the basic skills of touching and feeling.
Reading is like music. It can be enjoyed anywhere and everywhere. You don’t have to set a stage for it. Read to your child while you are in the car or at home. The important thing to remember is that for your child to enjoy this activity, you have to enjoy it first.
Be innovative when you read to your child. Read out the correct words, but for longer words, separate the syllables and say them slowly. Shorten long passages and substitute simpler words for those your toddler doesn’t understand.
Don’t make reading feel like a chore for your child as it may put him off books for the rest of his life. Desist from making it seem like a question and answer session. Reading should be fun and pleasurable.
Finally, children of readers often end up as readers. Even if you have a busy schedule, find some time to read. Even 15-20 minutes will do. Have magazines, books, and newspapers lying around the house so that your child gets used to having them around all the time.
Some of the publishers who publish books for children in India
- Penguin India – Publishes many titles for children and has recently introduced the ‘Ladybird’ series for children who are just starting reading.
- Children’s Book Trust – Publishes books for very young children. Includes alphabet and number books and picture books based on Indian themes with colourful illustrations.
- Tulika: Katha books, sensitive content with colourful illustrations.
- Teripress: www.teripress.in has a good collection of books for children on the theme of environment
- Scholastic India
- Dream land
Good magazines:
Good organizations to contact:
Other than books by these publishers, imported books are also widely available.
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