How can children maintain a reading habit? The principle is actually very simple: first, they can get enough enjoyment from it (books and reading methods); second, they need the necessary time and certain habits. However, it is indeed a bit difficult to do. It is necessary to continuously prepare interesting books for children and adjust them adaptively according to their interests. In addition, before children develop more stubborn reading habits, experienced adults need to share with them regularly. Based on the former need, Hongniba often asks questions in the Little Vole Project, such as “What books does your child like recently?”, “What obvious interests and preferences does your child have recently?”, “What is the child’s reading reaction since the last time?”, etc. These are all to understand the child’s interests and the level of attention paid by adults.
For children who board at school, it’s probably important to communicate more with the school to understand their child’s specific schedule and, if possible, influence them in some way. I know a few mothers who have arranged with the parents of their children’s classmates to take turns reading to their children at school once or twice a week. This is actually a very good idea. Of course, if you can also convince the teachers to read to the boarding students even once or twice a week, that would be even better.
When children return home from boarding school, what they crave most is time spent with their families. If everyone finds reading enjoyable, then shared reading time should definitely include it. This isn’t about “mandating” or “requiring” children to read, but rather about adults reading to children, or enjoying reading together (each with their own book). The important thing is: being together—anything is fine, really. :)
Reading is not about old or new. Reading new books has its benefits, and reading old books has its benefits, too. If adults are confident that a new book is truly excellent and will be enjoyed by children, then they might as well advertise it. The simplest and most effective advertising campaigns are, “Come, let me read you a passage,” or “Is it fun?”…
Falling in love with reading is not only valuable in itself, but even more valuable is that children can experience how loving something can make life more solid and allow them to hold onto hope no matter what the circumstances. Therefore, we strongly encourage reading for pleasure, because pleasure brings vitality.
Argentine Primera División on the night of October 18 in Beijing
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Attached are the questions in your letter:
I’d also like to ask you a question: How can I encourage my child to maintain a reading habit while in boarding school? Also, during the two and a half days he’s home, I’d like to establish a daily routine with him, including time for reading. Is that possible? During this time, he tends to reread books he’s read many times before, but he’s reluctant to read new ones. I personally believe that a person who develops a habit of reading will benefit from reading throughout their life and will benefit greatly. So, I’m eager for my child to develop this good habit.