Reading culture can be explained as a learned practice of seeking knowledge, information, or entertainment through the written word. Such practice can be acquired by reading books, magazines, newspaper, journals etc. It is however, indisputable that a vast number of school children ranging from primary, secondary to high institutions of learning have completely lost interest in reading. To say that the reading competition and zeal among students is fast declining is simply stating the obvious and this unhealthy development stares everyone of us in the face. Children are expected to read and keep abreast of what is happening around them but obviously does not happen anymore, no thanks to the Advent of the social media. Children now spend quality time surfing the internet on gossiping, fashion, entertainments, criminal activities and other e-material issues.
Let me pause a bit and take us back to the 80’s. During that period, children were practically competing for reading. I remember that we were exchanging novels among ourselves, competing for the best reader. Even while working in the kitchen, we were reading because we wanted to beat the time. Novels such as pacesetters, James Hadley chase, meals and bones, to mention a few. I hope some of us were part of the move then. The internet has taken the place of books. We are in the age of mass examination malpractices. If you fail to read, you will still pass with good grades better than those that spent time to prepare well for the exam
Strategies for cultivating reading culture among children
- The characteristic of an early reading environment is the availability of books and the regular modeling of reading.
- The best way of promoting reading among children is through the use of informal method of reading rather than formal method. Informal methods stimulate a desire in the child to read before trying to teach him to read. This can be done through storytelling, reading by the parent or teacher and by consulting books to find out things so that children could associate book with pleasure.
- Children can also be encouraged by allowing them to choose picture in books, read for contests, have library and people to read to them at home and school. Children can also be taken to books fair, exhibition and book talks.
Benefits of Reading
- Reading is an active mental-process unlike TV, books make one to use his brain by reading one thinks more and become smarter.
- Reading is a fundamental skill builder i.e every good course on the earth has a matching book to go with it.
- Reading improves vocabulary- reading books exposes one to many new words that wouldn’t be otherwise.
- Reading improves memory.
- Reading builds self esteem.
- Reading improves discipline.
- Reading makes one learn everywhere, improves creativity and expands ones horizon.
