Most of the world’s information is not digitized. The vast majority is in print form, mostly in books. According to different surveys and reports, reading per se among young adults is not exactly on the wane, but the delivery mechanism has changed. Communications with words is thriving, but on a new format. Most reading is now online. Only probable exception being a novel or non-fiction classic, for which now one can order a kindle Most of the world’s information is not digitized. The vast majority is in print form, mostly in books. According to different surveys and reports, reading per se among young adults is not exactly on the wane, but the delivery mechanism has changed. Communications with words is thriving, but on a new format. Most reading is now online. Only probable exception being a novel or non-fiction classic, for which now one can order a kindle e-book reader.
For many years, especially in the West there have been doubts whether the written medium of narration would survive the onslaught of technology. Will children, who spent most of their waking time in front of the TV or computer, continue to read books? Similar fears were expressed in the end of the 19th century with the emergence of films and cartoons. Books survived that era and maintained its position as a parallel “technology.”
Research in Western countries over the last 50 years has indicated a fall in the reading habits of children, though there are country-to-country variations.
Reasons for decline in reading habits among children are offshoots of technological advancements which have brought about overall changes in family, social and economic conditions.
Reading is not considered a relevant leisure activity as it does not form part of children’s social interaction.
Reading is considered a solitary pursuit and is not preferred in comparison with interactive chats on the internet.
There is also an overriding desire amongst young people to spend time with their friends than remain at home and read.
There is unprecedented rise in the price of books, while CD-ROMs are becoming more affordable.
Books will never die. But the new media have come to stay. Proportion of people owning home computers and TV will continue to rise, affecting the reading habits not only of children but of the entire family.
Research has shown that children's reading habits improve if they are allowed to read books which are of their level and which they can read independently. Don't worry if the books are not difficult. Reading books they are comfortable with improves their fluency and helps develop comprehension.
It is not necessary to make huge investments in children's books. Visiting the yard sales and your local library wil give access to enough material.
Parents can also help by making reading fun for children. Keep in mind that the goal is for your child to read. Don't hesitate to help him/her with words they don't know.
Create a separate reading area--Ideally a quiet and comfortable area where the child would like to spend time. Try to provide an area which is near your collection of books.
Give him access to books -- Set up a book collection shelf at home from where he can pick and read items of his choice.
Set aside time for reading-- Allocate a period of time, maybe 30 minute or so, every day, for your children to spend on reading at the allotted area.
Encourage reading one good book -- Out of the allotted reading time set aside 10-15 minutes to read one good book that would take many days to complete.
Spend reading time with your child -- Whenever possible spend time reading with him and then discussing what you read.
Encourage family reading -- Schedule a period of time when all members of the family can meet and read from their favorite books.
Make reading fun -- Read to him and act out portions to make the experience lively. This is sure to arouse greater interest.
Display books in your home -- This will give your children the impression that books have an important role in the household.
Make him join a library -- Libraries are great places for reading and writing.
Nagging -- Pressurizing and hounding a child will only increase his resistance.
Bribing -- Bribing can produce negative results. Instead present him with a book and praises on his completing a reading assignment successfully.
Judging-- Constant judging will take the pleasure out of reading and he will soon lose interest.
Criticizing his choice-- If he is taking the initiative to read books of his choice, encourage him, even if he is choosing books that are too light and easy to read. In time he will go for more serious options.
Setting tough goals --Don’t expect great things in short time frames. Encourage him gently, instead.
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