Four ways for parents and teachers to encourage a reading culture among school-going children

  

Date Posted: 10/16/2018 6:45:45 AM

Posted By: achep05  Membership Level: Bronze  Total Points: 32

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Reading opens up a person to new and unexplored worlds. The experience is even richer when reading starts at a very early age. Reading should go beyond the purpose of passing examinations which most school-going children tend to do. In the western world, reading is a very revered activity. This is no wonder they are the source of some of the world’s best sellers. Furthermore, western parents and teachers have fostered a culture of reading among their children and students. One might wonder about the relevance of reading beyond the classroom. Well, reading makes one wiser and one is able to handle conflicts diligently. Reading also breeds success and one needs to study some of the world’s successful personalities to confirm that. Luckily, it is never too late for guardians to encourage the younger generation to embrace reading in their daily habits.

The following are ways both parents and teachers can inspire avid reading:

(a) Start a regular reading schedule both at home and school
A teacher or parent can decide to assign students a weekly storybook or literature text in which they are required to either present or write a report on what they have learned. The constant reading and report writing schedule helps to improve analyzing of text and writing solid essays. However, one needs to ensure the students still have time to keep up with school work and have time for leisure.

(b) Set up a small library of books within the classroom or at home
Nowadays it is easy and affordable to accumulate a collection of books of varying genres including for both children and teenagers. One can fashion a small shelf of books either at the back of the classroom or in the sitting room and this develops a love for reading. The readers must ensure they return the

books on time and in good condition to give others a chance to read the same books.

(c) Form a book club with other parents
A parent can seek out other like-minded parents to form a book club with their children and rotate with each other over the weekends. The added advantage of such clubs is that parents can develop other fun games for their children which improve their social skills too. Book clubs, though, demand commitment especially among parents with very busy schedules.

(d) Download reading apps that target children
A technology savvy parent or teacher can easily download a variety of reading apps which combine stimulating language and vivid imagery to make reading more exciting. However, one must ensure they monitor how the young ones use their gadgets to avoid other issues such as addiction or poor eyesight. One can search the Google Play store which offers a wide variety of reading apps for free or paid.

(e) Integrate watching of educational television programs
It is possible to set aside time to watch documentaries or shows either at home and in the classroom. Programs such as National Geographic can jolt the interest of the young audience to seek out books and magazine articles that discuss more on any subject. The added advantage is that children and teenagers will watch less of destructive television programs.

Overall, the above tips are more or less simple but practical ways both teachers and parents can instill reading in their children without coercing them. More than ever, reading must be encouraged to neutralize the continuous trend of fake stories and radical views which leave a lasting impression on the younger generation. After all, one does not need to travel far and wide to be cultured, reading can definitely do that.

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