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” <strong>Reading</strong> takes the free raw material of the mind and<br />
builds castles of possibilities.”<br />
<strong>Reading</strong> is a multifaceted process involving word recogniti<strong>on</strong>, comprehensi<strong>on</strong>, fluency, and<br />
motivati<strong>on</strong>. <strong>Reading</strong> is making meaning from print. It requires that we:<br />
‣ Identify the words in print – a process called word recogniti<strong>on</strong><br />
‣ C<strong>on</strong>struct an understanding from them – a process called comprehensi<strong>on</strong><br />
‣ Coordinate identifying words and making meaning so that reading is automatic and accurate – an<br />
achievement called fluency<br />
<strong>Reading</strong> is not just an important professi<strong>on</strong>al skill. It is also a way to enjoy informative, creative, and<br />
inspiring works of literature that enrich our life experiences.<br />
Like any skill worth mastering, a reading habit requires time and dedicati<strong>on</strong> to develop. But just like an<br />
Olympian who wants to win a competiti<strong>on</strong>, having a goal just isn’t enough. It’s the habits you create and<br />
stick to that lead to l<strong>on</strong>g-term success. At Eklavya, cbse school Jalandhar, we str<strong>on</strong>gly abide by this<br />
principle. As Best School in Jalandhar City we understand the importance of reading.<br />
Why should children read?<br />
All good habits should begin from an early age, reading is no different.<br />
• Children are like sp<strong>on</strong>ge and exposing them to the world of books will ensure they become smart,<br />
inquisitive, imaginative adults. <strong>Reading</strong> tells children that there is lot more to the world than they<br />
know at present.
• The early years are crucial for a child’s development and hence an ideal time to inculcate reading<br />
habit into children. Children who read are more likely to have a more focused attenti<strong>on</strong> span,<br />
grasping power and memory. This helps them in their academics as well.<br />
• In a recent study c<strong>on</strong>ducted it was found that people who start reading since their early age have<br />
better inter pers<strong>on</strong>al skills, vocabulary and a better hold <strong>on</strong> written and spoken language.<br />
Children get to experience the world through the books and stories they read. A simple story like Red<br />
Riding Hood or the Snowman can teach children to become a better human and accept every<strong>on</strong>e<br />
irrespective of the differences.<br />
Current Scenario<br />
Today’s children are very fussy when it comes to reading. They often make excuses to get away from<br />
them and indulge in their own play. With the world rising towards technological advancements with every<br />
passing day, our little <strong>on</strong>es are <strong>on</strong>ly becoming dependent <strong>on</strong> technology. Their eyes are glued to screens<br />
every single day, be it watching televisi<strong>on</strong> or playing games <strong>on</strong> mobile ph<strong>on</strong>es and tablets. <strong>Reading</strong> has<br />
<strong>on</strong>ly become restricted to their textbooks for the purpose of achieving good grades in examinati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Here are some interesting ways to inculcate the habit of reading in children.<br />
‣ Start with a mini reading habit that is almost effortless<br />
Get the child to read even five to ten minutes every day.<br />
‣ Increase reading habit in small steps<br />
Once a mini reading habit is established, gradually aim to increase the time the child spends<br />
reading in each sitting.<br />
‣ C<strong>on</strong>sider hobbies and pers<strong>on</strong>al interests.<br />
<strong>Reading</strong> can be more interesting and satisfying when we read about topics that we care about.<br />
‣ Make reading a fun activity<br />
As the child grows older, his/her percepti<strong>on</strong> of the surroundings begins to grow str<strong>on</strong>ger. A <strong>on</strong>eyear-old<br />
child has the ability to grasp basic sounds and visuals, so make reading a regular and fun<br />
activity.<br />
‣ Libraries are a home away from home<br />
Libraries can be a child’s best friend if they are introduced to it at the right time.<br />
‣ Make gifting a book a habit<br />
‣ As the child’s interest in reading enlarges, surprise him/her by buying a book as a gift.<br />
‣ Introduce audio books<br />
One book format that is becoming increasingly popular is audio books. Audio books can also<br />
introduce the child to how certain words are pr<strong>on</strong>ounced and strung together to form sentences.<br />
‣ Make reading social activity<br />
Another way to cultivate a reading habit is to make it social. Start a book club for kids, so the<br />
child is encouraged to read regularly and is rewarded with fun gatherings to discuss the book.<br />
‣ Find ways to c<strong>on</strong>nect reading to everyday life.<br />
It is easier to grow reading skills if you make reading a part of your daily schedule.<br />
‣ Keep a reading blog.<br />
A reading blog is a good way to remember books enjoyed, write criticism of books you didn’t<br />
like and keep track of what you’ve already read.<br />
‣ Go to book festivals.<br />
Book festivals are a great opportunity to learn about new authors.
‣ Get the child to read newspapers<br />
Make reading newspaper a daily habit of the child. Let the child read the topic he cares about.<br />
‣ Create a reading corner at home<br />
There should be a small library or a quiet corner at home for books, where both kids and adults<br />
can sit together and read.<br />
‣ Set a l<strong>on</strong>g term goal<br />
Finally, another way to nurture a reading habit is to set a l<strong>on</strong>g-term goal. Challenge the kids to<br />
read a set number of minutes or books over the next m<strong>on</strong>th.<br />
Activities d<strong>on</strong>e in Eklavya School to inculcate <strong>Reading</strong> habits<br />
1. Newspaper <strong>Reading</strong><br />
The students read the newspaper <strong>on</strong> a daily basis and discuss the news with their peers.<br />
2. Issuing library books every m<strong>on</strong>th<br />
The school issues library books to each child <strong>on</strong> m<strong>on</strong>thly basis.<br />
3. Visit to Eklavya Library<br />
The Eklavya library has over 5000 books <strong>on</strong> various topics including comics for the children to read. The<br />
students visit the Eklavya library twice a m<strong>on</strong>th. The purpose of the visit is not about checking out or<br />
buying books -- it's about being surrounded by thousands of books, touching their gorgeous pages, seeing<br />
the world of possibility in print, salivating over what there is to know and explore.<br />
4. Educators sharing their reading experiences with students-<br />
The teachers act as a role model and encourage the kids to read more by telling them about their reading<br />
experiences.<br />
5. Teaching reading strategies.<br />
The students are taught the skills to become a good reader <strong>on</strong> a daily basis.<br />
6. Participating in Online reading test.<br />
To h<strong>on</strong>e the reading skills of the students the school makes the students participate in various <strong>on</strong>line<br />
reading tests like St<strong>on</strong>es to Milest<strong>on</strong>e.<br />
Keep encouraging the kids by making it a pleasant activity. Nurture it slowly and steadily as forcing can<br />
have adverse effects such as a hatred for books. A c<strong>on</strong>stant effort will surely instill the love for reading in<br />
the child someday.