Are you a Reader?
“My son is an avid reader! He just can’t seem to put the book down!” exclaimed Maya. Tina, in an almost compensatory tone quickly chimed in, “My daughter is a pianist! Books are not her thing! After all, not everyone can love the same things in life!”
Readers — Are they born or made? Is reading a natural ability or an acquired skill?
Research across time and context has concluded that reading is an accrued skill, that is, the more you read, the better you get at it. However, research also shows a steady decline in reading as students age, with most reading done only for school or college work.
So, how do we move away from creating academic readers — those who read to get through education to creating lifelong readers — those who read for pleasure?
I truly believe that every parent, no matter the race, caste, or class, wants the absolute best for his/her child! The only impediment is that very often parents may not know what to provide and how to provide it. So, read on to discover how the rich tradition of reading aloud to children that has been misplaced in the age of social networking, and 21st century learning environments is the single most important activity identified for creating a reader!
Reading aloud to children is an invitation to engage in a dialogue! Through this conversation one is initiated into the world of knowledge, and myriad possibilities. While it serves to prompt curiosity, it also serves to provide an enriching bank of vocabulary, positive association with books, and a model for reading! Since we are activating the pleasure centers in the children’s brains during reading, we want to ensure that the books chosen are matched to the child’s interest levels and not popular titles floating around on Goodreads.com. After all, will a child not be classified a reader if he reads only comics? It is ironical that as parents and educators we strongly espouse the value of independence and are attempting to alter our curriculums to support this skill, yet we continue to force books down our children, often setting them on the path of resistance! Another common concern that all preschool parents often make is, “He / she reads the same text over and over again!” Even though it is the same book, it a new experience with every read! Have you ever tried reading the same book twice? If not, go on and read it. Only then will you appreciate the possibilities and potential inherent in each book! Just like no two meetings with the same individual is ever the same, every encounter with the book is remarkable in its own right! Every time the child opens a book, he is opening a new door, accessing a new vista! In fact, research has repeatedly highlighted the tremendous benefits of repeated reading, including vocabulary development, word recognition, awareness of patterns and rhythms in text, improved fluency and comprehension, and a deep sense of confidence!
At a recent workshop on ‘Comprehension’, I modelled a read aloud session for professionals. As I glanced up between the pages, I found some eyes gleaming, while others waiting with anticipation for more. It was stimulating to have all 40 pairs of eyes glued to me, almost asking me to continue for eternity. Unlike television that talks at you and not to you, the book elicited a heart-to heart exchange, using the power of rich words, illustrations and punctuations to highlight details. Reading aloud is truly an art form in which the power of eye contact, body posture, facial animation, and expression is crucial! After all, the influence of a read aloud is not determined by what you read, but rather how you read! The intensity and intimacy of the read aloud is one that is better described than experienced.
If adults can enjoy this experience, I wonder if there is a stipulated age range for read alouds? Interestingly, research reveals that children’s reading begins to decline around the same time that parents stop reading to their children because they believe their children can read independently. Everyone enjoys being read to longer than you believe, so, go on and read to your 15 year old, or your spouse, or your parent! Reading aloud must start from the moment of birth and be continued across grades and ages!
Lastly, remember books are not items to be stored, but accessed! Take out those books from the libraries and cupboards and allow children to access the written world — books, magazines, newspapers — across settings — in the bathroom, car, bedroom, dining area, and kitchen! After all, a read aloud session cannot take place without books!
Go on — throw away the pressures of teaching, snuggle up with your reading buddy, and dive into the world of books, indulging self and the other in the process! You will surely be creating a reader in the bargain!
