LEADING THE CHILD TO READ

LERMA T. SISON

Too much exposure to modern electronic gadgets such as iPods, tablets, cellular phones, computers, and other electronic devices cater much attention on the study habits of the child. These gadgets became part of his daily routine especially various games were downloaded and installed which greatly affects the reading habits. Likewise, the Internet has also a contributing factor that made him uninterested in reading books. He pays much attention on his personal account on Facebook, Tweeter, or Instagram.

Pupils, nowadays, are exposing too much on some of the computer games. These confront the teacher and the parents, since they play computer games every day for leisure while sacrificing their homework or studies. In fact, it became an obstruction because they spend less time to read books and much so in doing their assignments at home. Too much time is wasted while playing these computer games.

In school, teachers began complaining as they witness their pupils do not read their assigned readings and homework. A concerted partnership between teachers and parents must establish in defeating this dilemma.

Inside the classroom, teacher should create a unique and conducive learning environment that motivates his pupils to love books and thus adore reading. He is the nark of inspiration and aspiration to absorb reading skills among his pupils. As teachers, we have to lead by example and establish reading a part of their habit inside the classroom and even at home.

Besides, we have to toughen our advocate on the DepEd Thrusts on different reading programs like DEAR (Drop Everything Away and Read), ECARP (Every Child A Reader Program), RESSP (Read, Envy, Share a Story Program), ERAL (Every Reader A Leader), ARALL (A Reader A LifeLong Learner), and other programs.

Apparently, it is the full responsibility of the parents at home to motivate and encourage their children to read and do their assignments instead of exposing themselves in front of computers after class hours and during weekends.

Certainly, exposing the children with varied reading opportunities in school during regular days and at home will not only lead them to read books but also make them independent readers, morally upright, and well-rounded individuals.

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The author is Teacher I at Suclaban Elementary School