Reading Amidst Pandemic

Long before the pandemic kids learn reading from words that they see outside. The signage from establishments helps them learn how to read. But since they are restricted from going outside it is important that we establish routines that will teach them how to read.

Kids learn to read books in phase. At first they learn reading through pictures and not on words. Then they pretend to read the word that they have memorized. Reading should be fun so the child will develop a love and penchant for reading. Reading should not be used as a “punishment” as this gives the child the wrong connotation on reading. Social distancing could pose real challenges because reading is basically a social activity and this usually happen in school between teachers and students. How do we teach kids reading now that we are restricted from mobility? If educators do a better job of involving families, some children will probably learn to read more quickly learning to read more quickly than before. The family should establish a reading routine with their children despite the hectic schedule. It could be a bonding over books and blankets that can be done after work and before sleeping.

Many families and teachers are worried that children will fall behind during pandemic. Teachers fear that a lot of students will appear to be non-readers and slow readers after this pandemic. Teachers ideally get to know their students well, which enables them to become familiar with each child’s strengths and interests. That makes it easier to select books and other texts that students will enjoy reading themselves or having someone else read to them over and over. Reading books and passages again and again is a great way to develop students’fluency and comprehension. Some of these teaching techniques are, of course, easier to do with remote learning than others.

How can we teach reading now? It will help a great deal if families see themselves as partners with their child’s teachers and appreciate how everyday activities can support the process of learning how to read. Families can use digital tools to provide opportunities for kids to create and write their own stories. It’s so important to provide space and time for children to share stories, books and writing creations with friends, neighbors and loved ones in person or even via video. If families try harder to make reading at home a fun and routine activity, and teachers can partner and engage with families more than before, we don’t believe that virtual and modular learning has to be an obstacle to learning how to read. If done right, it might even be done better.

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The author is Teacher at Sta. Ursula ES/ Guagua East