As my students were packing up to go home, one of them walked up to me and reminded me that I hadn’t shared a reading list with him.
“What reading list?”
“The one you said you’ll share so we can read during vacations too!”
Honestly, I had forgotten all about that. I had mentioned it during one of the library periods and forgot all about it soon after.
Of course, I immediately shared that list with him.
I always have such a list with me. I would, and still do, note down some interesting titles, series, authors for the class every time I went to the library or bookstore. It’s from this list that I often recommend books.
Another thing I did to keep them engaged was to sit with a group of them and read aloud one of the books they were reading. Sometimes it would be a group activity where each one got a chance to read or play-act, and sometimes it would just be me reading it out to them.
The silly voices and actions made reading fun. I have parents tell me that their kids prefer to read aloud, with voices and accessories. Great! Let it be. As long as they’re enjoying it, don’t bother; instead encourage.
Reading has taken such a back seat that every little opportunity must be supported.
I recently saw a video clip where Jack Black, the Hollywood actor, was talking about the sorry state of reading skills in children and how some networks are telecasting programs with subtitles to encourage more children to read.
And that’s when I remembered this incident.
“A book is a gift you can open again and again.”
Garrison Keillor
With our busy schedules, forget the children, even we don’t have the time to spare to read. I’m a member of a book club where we decide a book we’ve to read for the following month. Most come without reading.
I thought I’ll compile a list of activities I did (a few are borrowed from my fellow teachers) to get my kids to enjoy reading.
- Read Aloud Sessions: The best and most effective way of getting them hooked to the books. They love the drama. Weave a spell with the voices and masks. Let their imagination soar.
- Book-Based Activities: Plan activities based on favourite books, or even a lesson from their textbooks. Word walls, illustrations, or acting out scenes from the book.
- Storytelling Sessions: Earmark a day each week when you let the children tell their own stories or retell familiar tales. It’s a fantastic platform to develop their confidence, speaking skills, creativity and imagination.
- Reading Buddies: Pair the children as reading buddies. They can take turns reading to each other, providing support and encouragement.
- Book Swaps: Let the children swap books with one another. When they listen to their friend talk about it, they will be interested to read it themselves.
- Create a Reading Corner: Set up a cosy reading corner in the classroom or home. I would earmark a few benches in one corner of the class where the children can sit and read. I used it more as an incentive or reward for completing their work in class. Worked well for me.
Maybe the schools can set up book clubs where the children can discuss and share their favourite books with their friends. This kind of interaction like-minded peers who enjoy books and reading will make the interactions more interactive, engaging and fun.
“There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.“
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
There’s a lot you can do to nurture this passion for reading in the children from an early age. Instead of settling in front of the television, pick up a book. Make reading a family ritual.
When my kids wanted to watch Harry Potter movies, I told them that they would’ve to read the books first. So, after book, they would get to watch the movie. Did a similar thing with Lord of the Rings. Now of course they’re old enough and I can’t con them with these old tricks. But yes, they still prefer to read the books first! And I’m not complaining.
Reading is a personality developing habit. It broadens the mind and expands your thinking. Also, it builds their creativity and nurtures their imagination.
It is the responsibility of every adult, parent or teacher, to pass on this heritage to the children and touch their lives with magic.
And if you’re looking for an activity book that not only engages your child but also teaches a life skill, improves motor skills and develops new interests, then the preview of my upcoming book is available. Don’t forget to click and get a copy for yourself. The completed book will be out soon (of course you’ll be the first to know!) If you’ve any suggestions, don’t hesitate to share.