My meeting with my Korean student last Sunday gave me some homework to ponder.
This summer has been particularly stressful for her, with concerns about her husband's job situation and her father's health in Korea. She mentioned that she plans to return to South Korea for 10 days if her husband receives a job offer this summer.
Given these pressures, when I asked about her daughter's summer reading plan, she apologized profusely for not having started. Her 9-year-old daughter doesn’t like reading, making it a bit of a headache to encourage her.
Needless to say, reading is crucial for everyone, especially children. Equally important is parental involvement in helping children develop good habits. While I reminded her that half of the summer has already passed and we need to get going soon, I am also fully aware of her current challenges.
We have previously discussed the importance of reading for a child's cognitive development, language skills, and academic success, as well as the role of parental involvement in developing good habits. This seems to be a common problem many of us face: we know we should do it, still we keep delaying the start.
With children's reading, perhaps we can begin by designating a specific space for reading, creating a make-believe fairyland-like reader's world that is fun-filled and less intimidating, making it a visible part of the child's daily routine.
Second, as with everything good or bad, parents leading by example is crucial. Children are more likely to read if they see their parents doing it. When my son was little, I was working on my dissertation. I often took him to our university library, which proved very impactful on him. When I taught the word 图书馆 (tú shū guǎn) library. He learned it fast because he (his nickname) is inside the square library building.
Third, try reading aloud or taking turns reading aloud with the child. It is a fun performance. This interactive reading not only improves reading skills but also makes reading a fun. I remember my daughter reading Halloween books, imitating ghosts talking.
Fourth, this is very important! Discuss what they read, ask questions about the characters and plot. This helps develop critical thinking and reading comprehension. Ask immediately after reading. Get into the habit of reflecting what just happens.
By incorporating these small but meaningful chats after reading, we can make a significant impact on our children’s reading habits and overall development. Talking with children after each reading plays the role of 四两拨千斤 (sì liǎng bō qiān jīn), "using four ounces to move a thousand pounds." This means that a little effort in engaging with them can lead to tremendous results in their cognitive and emotional growth.
In fostering a love for reading, we’re not just opening books; we’re opening minds and hearts to a world of knowledge and imagination. Let’s embark on this journey together, knowing that each page turned and every conversation had are a step toward a brighter, more enriched future for our children.