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Reading ---one of the 3R’s
is a multipurpose activity, which activates the thinking process and
also enhances the ability to perceive and understand the written word.
Reading augurs for easy communication and maximizes comprehension of
written text. However, the foundation for teaching reading should be
laid early on.
Teaching the untutored to read is an experience by itself and the
results are very rewarding. Of course, one has to keep in mind the age
of the reader. If the students are very young, they can be encouraged to
read by narrating stories, thereby creating an interest which instigates
them to explore the world of books on their own. There is nothing close
to the joys that reading brings. The same strategy can be adopted with a
slight modification for the older ones. Shared book reading directed at
groups of students rather than individuals heightens awareness and
encourages them to discuss what has been read. Structured reading helps
children to practice their reading skills and also helps them to
mentally identify and associate new words that they come across.
To develop proficiency in reading especially for children who have not
learned to read before they enter school, the systematic teaching of
phonics is necessary. By Using rhymes, poetry and alliteration,
attention can be focused on the sounds of words. This helps immensely in
identifying the pattern of words, which are encountered while reading.
Such word recognition and association help to attain fluency and
accuracy while reading texts. It makes sense then to provide texts,
which are arresting in nature. Repeated reading of material promotes
fluency.
Since words are an inherent part of any written text, teaching reading
would in a sense be an enhancement of the basic vocabulary. This can be
done by constantly exposing children to the listening, writing and
speaking of new words. Discussion of the new words and their concepts
prior to reading sessions makes the task of teaching reading more
meaningful. Once this is done, it becomes necessary to focus on the
purpose for reading. Some books are merely meant to be enjoyed, so while
teaching to read, the emphasis must merely be on enjoying the written
word and its elasticity. If the focus is on acquiring information, then
the written word becomes more important when it is read. Hence teaching
to read is closely connected with the motive behind such reading.
No two individuals have the same taste in reading; so let the students
choose what they want to read. Encourage them to use the library to make
their choice, organize trips to bookstores and book fairs so that they
can explore the world of books. The Internet is a prodigious source of
information and magazines of all kinds are now available on newsstands.
Surfing the net and reading articles or reading magazines augment the
task of reading.
While assigning classroom and homework reading assignments, make them
more meaningful and allow the students to chose what they read. Develop
in the students a love for reading by providing material that somehow
has a relation to their personal lives. Stories from the Panchatantra
and the jataka tales are ideal for Indian
children, because the background depicted and the
symbolism expressed is akin to their lives. This sense of identity helps
the children to relate better to the characters and inculcates love for
reading. From thereon it is just one long road of thrills. Remember
reading not only determines academic success but personal success. It
enriches life and contributes to its artistic quality. So be passionate
about teaching reading, it is well worth it in the end.
~ Author M.Hemdev
data(c)Indian child. all rights
reserved.
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