Instilling the Love of Reading in Children's Hearts

Reading children with books does not mean to distract them from reality but an avenue to protect them from all the horrendous things they don't deserve to see. We read the children books to foster empathy and emotional intelligence. In this digitalized era, children's attention span is quite short compared to before. I don't think that's a good thing.

I remember when I was still a kid, I enjoyed viewing pictures found in the storybooks until I developed an interest in reading the texts along them. How many children are still reading storybooks right now? I think it's becoming rare because you will find them watching videos and playing games. While I have nothing against that, neglecting children to read books might harm their cognitive development. You can research the impacts of exposing children to books and there are numerous studies you will find about this.

One of the non-profit organizations in our city, the Rotary Club of Kalayaan Cagayan de Oro, have organized to put a mini-library in public places. I'm amazed because they came up with this kind of solid action to promote children's love for reading. I am grateful to be invited as one of the children's storytellers, I even thought of declining it but I would regret it if I did. Also, it was reported from the news that the Department of Social Welfare or DSWD of the Philippines will pay college students to tutor struggling readers from the Grade 1 level. I hope they'll make a concrete plan and development regarding this matter because reading is a very important thing to master at a young age including comprehension, critical thinking, and creative mind.

Before we began our storytelling, they started the ribbon cutting first. I'm delighted to see the beautiful and happy faces of the elementary students. It made me realize how teachers play a big part in molding the character of young children because they are building the foundation of society's future people. It's not going to be an easy job, you should love your children as your own.

These are the kids I got during that day. They're smart, attentive and participative and I'm glad it's not difficult to talk to them. I guess I have read them 5 stories from my worn storybook. I realized that the book I brought is not the ideal book for their age as they are already in their 5th grade. Of course, we have no idea about the grade level of our students, we're just told to bring any story books. Hopefully next time I can read them a book that is suitable for their level. They're fun to be with and they have asked my complete name to add me on Facebook. The two of them added me and I have sent this photo as a remembrance.

I didn't expect that I would be able to take a photo with my grade 6 teacher. I got the chance to reconnect with one of our down-to-earth and compassionate teachers in elementary. I was too shy to approach our teacher so I just greeted him with good morning. But after I finished the storytelling to the children who happened to be his pupils, I was so amazed. He called me and asked what my name was, trying to remember it and all this time, our teacher hadn't forgotten me. He still remembers his pupils years ago.

I'm so happy to see our adviser again especially since last December was a reunion for all Grade 6 alumni. I asked our teacher if he had attended the reunion and we talked about how silly my classmates were before and now they've changed. I am so proud of all of my former teachers for committing and dedicating their lives to this profession. Teaching is indeed a noble job and I'm so blessed for all the experiences I am learning right now from all my teachers who have chosen the path of teaching. Let us instill the love of reading in children's hearts so that we can cultivate compassionate, empathetic and emotionally intelligent individuals in the future.

I hope you have a great time and thank you for reading my blog! See you on the next pages of my life 'cause I have much to talk about and so much to write. Till next time! 🌸