Education is not just about learning new information. While learning academic
course content in science, geography, social studies, and mathematics is of great importance, the cognitive development of children is of far greater value.
Numerous studies have shown that reading is a great tool to promote cognitive
development and learning. Research also suggests that learning to read actually
improves the way the brain functions.
Children who struggle to read tend to fall behind
academically. They find it hard to grasp complex written concepts and are
unable to keep up with classwork requirements. The ability to read and
comprehend material allows them to self-learn and explore new topics. In
addition, reading contributes greatly to a child’s imagination. Being exposed
to different cultures and ideas, a well-read child tends to have a broader
worldview. Natural readers also tend to be more confident and better
communicators.
The Let's READ programme encourages children to
foster a love for books and reading for pleasure. Through this programme, we
will set up a mini library in each class from Std. 1 to 10. Each library
comprises of 130 books which are curated keeping in mind the reading abilities
and language preferences of the children. The books are carefully selected to
be culturally relevant to the children while also being well written and
beautifully illustrated. In addition, each child will be gifted a set of 5
books each. For many children, these will be the first set of books they own.
The children will be encouraged to read and exchange the books with their
friends.
Reading journals will be distributed and children will be
shown how to record their wish list of books and reviews of books they have
read. We will also conduct a series of book reading sessions by children’s book
authors and other professionals. Through animated readings, they will make the
books come alive and intrigue the children to want to read more. Teachers of
each class will also be trained in assisted reading techniques.