In an act to foster development in the educational sector, education stakeholders has urged all parents to promote reading in their children by providing a diverse range of reading materials and participating in the reading.
From the news gathered, the education stakeholder disclosed this as the world celebrated 2024 World Book Day, on Tuesday.
It was titled, ‘Read your way’ and emphasised nurturing a love for reading across all ages.
According to economictimes.indiatimes, April 23 is designated as World Book and Copyright Day, or International Day of the Book, and it is observed globally to encourage people to enjoy reading. The purpose of this international event is to acknowledge the significant influence that books have on both people and societies.
Raquel Kasham Daniel, a children book writer, emphasized that it was important to create a conducive reading environment that would foster a love for reading in children.
Daniel said, “In Nigeria, the reading culture among children varies. While some children are enthusiastic readers, others face challenges in accessing books or lack the motivation to read due to alternative interests. It is essential to create a conducive environment that fosters a love for reading in children.”
While advising parents, she added, “Parents can play a critical role in encouraging reading at home by providing access to a diverse range of reading materials. Schools can implement literacy programs that engage children and make reading a fun activity. The government can invest in libraries and book distribution initiatives to ensure that children from all backgrounds have access to books. By organising author visits, book clubs, and reading competitions, parents and educators can inspire enthusiasm for reading among children, leading to a generation of avid readers who will continue to learn and grow.”
Also speaking, Dr Bola Obe, Director of Studies of Platform Schools, Ipaja, urged parents to take regular trips to the library or bookstore, saying, to let children explore and choose books that interest them.
“Let children see you reading regularly. When they observe adults enjoying books, they are more likely to emulate that behavior.
“Set aside dedicated time each day for reading. It could be before bedtime, during meals, or as part of a morning ritual.
“Make sure there are plenty of books accessible to children at home. Create cozy reading corners or spaces where they can relax with a book.
“Reading aloud to children, even as they get older, is incredibly beneficial. It helps improve vocabulary, comprehension, and instills a love for storytelling.
“Incorporate digital resources like e-books and educational apps, but balance them with traditional print materials.”
Meanwhile, Temitayo Ifeoluwa, a children’s book vendor and teacher, also said that the children react differently to reading in Nigeria.
“In Nigeria, the love of reading among children is amidst. To some, it is a boring activity that teachers make them do. To some, it is interesting and fun. It is a blend of curiosity, imagination, and the joy of discovering new worlds through words.”
Ifeoluwa encouraged parents to ignite reading in their children, “To foster this love, parents can lead by example, reading with their children and creating cozy reading environments at home. Schools can incorporate diverse literature into their curriculum and organise reading challenges and book clubs. The government can invest in libraries and literacy programs, while other stakeholders can support initiatives like book donations and author visits to schools. Together, these efforts can nurture a lifelong passion for reading among Nigerian children.”
