Savoring the joys of the written word
Print Edition
READING to me is all about personal growth. Growth through reading can take many forms. It can come from seeing the world through the eyes of someone else, discovering a new truth or reconnecting with a truth long forgotten. It can even come from an uncontained guffaw while reading a humorous passage. Growth through reading is not about reaching a certain level or reading so many minutes a day. It is definitely not about finding one type of reading material more valid than another. It’s about making something such an integral part of your life that you don’t feel the need to quantify what you’re doing. You should read because you want to, not because you have to.
At a recent workshop it was argued that, as adults, we often make the mistake of expecting children to do things that we don’t do ourselves. Before chastising your child for watching videos or playing games, ask yourself how you use your spare time. As adults we need to lead by example. When was the last time you picked up that 500-page classic instead of checking social media or watching television? If something isn’t good enough for you or worth your time, then why would you expect your children to feel differently?
We also tend to forget that the journey can often be more illuminating and rewarding than the actual goal. This is definitely the case with reading. I am not talking about the journey that takes place within the pages of a book. I am talking about the personal journey that is possible when a child finds something that sparks their interest, latches onto it — and in so doing discovers new worlds they never knew existed. The ownership in discovering and exploring one’s own interests is magical.
What does it matter if a child is reading books that are “too easy” or “below their level” if it still brings them joy? Why is that a bad thing? Yes, stagnation can hamper growth, but as adults that is where we can step in and help. It is our duty to help broaden our children’s horizons by knowing what excites and drives them and then presenting them with new and exciting literary options within that context. Whatever your child likes to read — if it is “War and Peace,” magazines, comics, online articles, video game directions or the back of a cereal box — take that, encourage it and build on it by introducing new challenges. Do not take away a child’s joy. Without joy, reading is no longer reading. It’s work.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
