Op-Ed: Nurturing Young Minds – 5 Ways to Inculcate a Lifelong Reading Habit in Children

Reading Habit in children

In today’s time of technological progression, inculcating a reading habit in children is more difficult than ever. The advantages of reading are more critical than just academic accomplishment. It involves imagination, responsiveness, and cognitive growth. Therefore, guardians, educationalists, and counsellors, have the prospect and duty to guide these young minds towards the world of books.

Here are 5 effective strategies to inculcate vital reading habit in children:

Lead by Example to Cultivate a Reading Habit

In an early age, children often learn by observing and imitating their surrounding culture. Thus, when they look at adults, older brother or sister, grandparents, parents, or even friends reading a book, it makes a lasting impression on their growing minds. They believe reading to be an enjoyable and valuable activity.

Curate a Diverse Reading Space

A study room or an exploratory creative space that excites a child is important in the early days to making reading a habit. Have a shelf in the study with a variety of age-appropriate books, interesting journals, and even magazines. This exploratory corner will eventually embed emotions of enthusiasm when children will go through these wide range of genres.

Dheeraj Challagali, Head, Performance Marketing, Avidii states how a parent can act as a role model to cultivate reading habit in children,

The best way to encourage reading habits among children is to read with them at home from an early age.
Children are attracted towards visuals and a book that holds their attention visually would be very helpful in building interest. By doing so, your child will be inclined towards reading. If your child has difficulty in reading a book and gets frustrated easily, try to step back a little and see where he or she is having trouble. Talk to his or her teacher and resolve the issue by being patient and accommodative. Allot a specific time and area for your child to read. This will help him/her to look forward to it. Bedtime can be ideal. So, make it a part of your child’s routine. You can act as a role model. When your kid watches you read books, magazines and newspapers, it will show your child that reading is important. Encourage your child to join you with his or her own book while you are reading.

Offer Freedom of Choice

Allow a child to pick and choose the books they wish to read as per their interest. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, picture book, mystery short story, comics or even science fiction, giving them the freedom over their reading selections fosters a sense of ownership and eagerness. Appreciate their choices while moderately acquainting them to new categories to expand their horizons.

Create a Routine to Encourage a Reading Habit

Consistency is important when developing any practice. Assign a particular time everyday devoted to reading. This could be after waking up in the morning, before going to bed at night, or any breaktime you have from play. Regular reading builds a sense of anticipation and makes reading an essential part of a child’s daily routine.

Engage in Meaningful Discussions

Not reflecting after reading is half work done. Encourage children to think about the last chapter or page they have read and have discussions on its plot, theme, and characters. These stimulating conversation helps in critical thinking, improve comprehension, and develop their capacity to articulate thoughts.

As a result, inculcating the habit of reading in children prepares them with tools for learning, expands their imagination, and teaches them empathy by offering them to understand characters from various backgrounds and experiences.

Siddharth Rajgarhia, Director, Delhi Public School shares his opinion on how we can inculcate a reading habit in a child,

‘What gets measured gets managed’ resonates strongly in the context of cultivating reading habits in children. Beyond enhancing language skills, a robust reading habit cultivates creativity, critical thinking, and a love for learning. The collaboration between educators and parents serves as a bedrock for this endeavor. Starting early with books, creating inviting reading corners, and offering diverse reading materials lay the groundwork. Dynamic challenges and book clubs, coupled with a seamless blend of technology and literature, ignite youthful curiosity. Central to our approach is the ‘Read and Grow’ program, which makes reading an engaging activity. Adult role models play a vital role; integrating reading into daily life demonstrates its value. Fostering a positive reading culture involves parents, amplifying the joy of reading at home. Celebrating milestones acknowledges the journey towards a lifelong affection for reading and brighter educational horizons for our students.

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