Abid Hussain
THE reading habit in Pakistani people is still very low when compared to other countries in the world as per study report of UNESCO released from time to time in order to compare the children of various states in readings. As per report in European country children can read 25-27 books per year, however, in Japan, the ratio of reading in children is 15-18 books per year. Nevertheless, the children ratio of Pakistan in reading is zero. There are many factors involve in the reading habits of children in Pakistan. The main factors are the family and school environment in a broader sense.
Ostensibly, the Children in Pakistan are facing many difficulties in day today lives like those who raised in poverty are bearing low proficiency in English and other languages which is a big hurdle for them to face, parents reading level and lack of resources for reading habits like a library, mentorship and handicap in hearing languages. Many people believe that reading is work of high profile people and the poor do not have concerned with it. Many believe that reading is a hard task, and just never got into the habit, reading needs to wake all nights, don’t know what to read, books are expensive and above all do not have time for readings. But, the role of Parent’s literacy in reading habits of children is highly desirable.
If parent does not read, remember, children will never become good readers. The role of parents is very important in mentoring their children to read diligently. Parents are mediator for the development of reading habits of their children. In this regards, parents should also increase their literacy skills. Parents are good facilitators in providing reading environment. A parent ought to adopt various tools for reading habits of their children. Such as laptops or computers etc. But, remember! technological advances can have a negative impact if is not properly supervised and controlled.
Readers lives are extraordinary and considered as successful peoples. Readers can learn news skills and new facts and become a knowledgeable about the whole world. It is sometime said “We are what we read”. Abraham Lincoln Said that “the things I want to know are in books my friend is the man who will get a book to read”. Francis Bacon has rightly said that” reading makes a full man. Reading habits are powerful and lasting influence in the promotion of one’s personal development in particular and social progress in general. To improve the reading habits of children, the education system in Pakistan may be revamped, which is still tends to use-one way learning model that influence our children to dull mindedness.
It is a universal fact that children who love to read will be able to overcome personal problems and have a better chance of achieving a successful life. It is also the responsibility of parents to transmit ‘virus’ of reading and how from early age children can be engrossed, passionate and in love with books. If parents in Pakistan want their children to love reading, they should instil in them a love for books. To inculcate reading habits of children, the following principles are considerable, first reading learning outcomes from an early age have a dominant role in children’s development.
2nd Reading habits and behaviour of parents, third family environment and fourth is the facilities of reading in and outside homes and schools. Parents are exemplar motivators for their children, they should make reading of their child pleasurable and voluntary. Emilie Buchwald an award-winning child author has rightly said that “Children are made readers on the laps of their parents”. Parents can give books in gift rather give them toys. They can nourish them with proper foods and proper care. Garrison Keillor has articulated that “A book is a gift you can open again and again”.
—The writer is working as Library Officer in Institute of Strategic Studies, a think-think based in Islamabad.
