At DeBakey High School we want every child to develop a love of reading and love coming to school. It goes without saying that learning to read is an essential life skill needed for education, the workplace and being able to survive on a day-to-day basis. Have you ever stopped to think about how many times you read, signs, labels, instructions, social media daily? Reading is important internationally and locally. It is a core part of the Qatar’s vision for the future of education.
There is a danger however that schools focus on mechanics of reading and miss developing a love of reading. We know that children can get so much pleasure and enjoyment from reading. Hence, we want to promote reading for pleasure becomes a habit of a lifetime.
So, particularly helpful are our top tips on developing and sustaining a love of reading.
- Let children choose what they read. There is very little pleasure when reading a text that is of no interest to the children or that simply requires them to decode words.
- Re-read a book that has been read before. We wouldn’t stop a child from playing a piece of music again if they have heard it before, so why do we sometimes insist everything a child reads needs to be for the first time?
- E-book or hard copy books, both are equally valuable. Let children choose.
- Fiction and non-fiction can be equally enjoyable, again let the children choose.
- Sharing a book with family members should be a relaxed and pleasurable experience. Reading together last 10 minutes before bedtime. If neither of you are in the mood, stop and start again when the time is right.
- Some children enjoy reading stories aloud to their friends or toys. This is a great skill and is to be encouraged.
- Encourage children to bring their books alive. They can act out stories, make a presentation or respond to the book through art, design and music. The possibilities are endless.
- Let children know that reading is not just for children. Sit together and read, share a book or pursue individual interests. This would certainly be time very well spent!
We excitedly anticipate the Book Fair on February 15th and 16th at DeBakey High School. We know this will help us to encourage every child to develop a love of reading. Your child can purchase books during the school day, at their break and with you, during PT Conferences.
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