We
all know that learning is a continuous process in the life of an individual
whether child or adult. Reading is an integral part of the learning process that
helps to develop concentration of mind. Whatever things we read will lead us to mental satisfaction. Reading creates curiosity which is the cornerstone of
learning. For reading, it is not necessary to select a particular book. It can
be stories or fictions or subject books in any language according to the interest
of the reader.
In
a student’s life reading is one of the most important activities. Reading
stimulates the brain and it enhances concentration and proper working of brain
which gradually leads to the development of language skills. Teachers always
promote the habit of reading among students. At the same time, it is very important
to create an atmosphere where students can choose their own choices for
reading.
In this regard, parents have a vital
role to lead their children in the proper channel. Studies reveal that
continues reading of a pregnant woman influences her child more and strengthens
the bonding between them. Those children whose parents have the habit of
reading will easily develop language skill. Their intellectual growth occurs by
hearing and listening from their home and the same will continue in school.
Some
parents do not have enough time to read but they force their children to do the
same. We know that such attempts never lead to success. There is a short story
from Aesop’s fable. There was a place where a mother crab and her children were
living. The mother crab was regularly watching that her children all were
walking sideways. One day she asked them, “Why do you all walk so one-sided?
It’s wrong, you should walk straight forward.” Then they replied, dear mother,
if you show us the straightway or if you walk straightly, we will also follow
the same”. The mother tried to walk straightly forward many times but she could
not. Children are good observer and they always learn something from their
parents and teachers. So parents and teachers have equal responsibility in this
regard.
Byju P. Joseph
The Fabindia School. bjh@fabindiaschools.in