SHILLONG: Has reading habit among children these days reduced? And why?
These were the questions raised by Neeraj Jain, the managing director of Scholastic India, during an interactive session with teachers and principals of several city-based schools recently. While many had the answer to the first question not everyone could list the reasons for such a trend among children today.
Jain presented a ‘Kids and Family Reading Report’ that talks about how reading habit among parents influences wards, what books children prefer and when do they enjoy reading, among other questions. The report helps both teachers and guardians to inculcate reading habit in children by using the right methods.
Jain said children pick up habits which they see every day and “if they see their parents relax in front of the television and not with a book”, they learn the same thing. Categorising readers into three types — avid, normal and dormant — Jain said teachers play a crucial role in encouraging children to turn to books. “Reading is fun. But do we allow our children to have fun? The libraries in most (of the government) schools are closed to students. Books are kept inside the almirah. How can students find their choice of books,” he pointed out.
He also asked teachers and principals to take up innovative ways of teaching and engaging students in reading.
Tosanlang Kharsati, principal of Pearly Dew School, said he takes the help of drama and dialogues to make his students interested in books other than those in the curricula. Seven Set School has one period every week for storytelling.
Acknowledging that teachers today have to work hard to finish the syllabus, Jain said if teachers can spend 10 minutes on an interactive session in class, it will be beneficial for children.
