Vinny Khinda
November 10, 2023
I grew up in India in 70s and 80s and as we know, internet had not been invented back then. In the name of television, we had a big fat machine safely encased in a wooden box cabinet that would throw up monochrome images occasionally, provided the weather was good and the direction of the television antenna was right. For me, the go-to source of window-to-the-world was the print media. Pretty early on in life, when I was in grade 6, I guess, I got hooked to reading newspapers, two of them each day, that my father would regularly subscribe to.
Gradually I started visiting a tiny government library, the only one of its kind in the small town I spent my childhood in. Four decades down the line, the sights, sounds and smell of that literary sanctuary are still fresh in my memory. The books were housed in creaky wooden closets that made scary noises upon opening and closing. Few of the closets in a corner were reserved for books for children, but that small space seemed like a Kingdom to me. There was a reading room as well which housed newspapers and I always found the elderly folks of the town occupying the few available chairs, all familiar faces though because everyone in the town knew one another. I was into reading the stuff that children of that era mostly vouched for. Enid Blyton was my favorite author back then and I gulped innumerable books of this genius of an author. Another favorite was a series of fairytale books written by an assortment of authors from the Russian land. Borrowing a book seemed like a major accomplishment back then. When I look back, the fascination for the written word had hit me pretty early in life and I am ever grateful for the opportunities I received. How many children visit the actual brick ‘n mortar libraries these days; not many I guess, and this is pretty sad.
Cut to the ever-evolving landscape of modern entertainment, with flashy screens and interactive gadgets vying for a child’s attention. Technology though must not be seen in negative light all the time as newer avenues have opened up as far as children gathering their knowledge goes, e-books and animation movies being good examples. Nevertheless, in these confusing times, the humble print book still stands as a steadfast companion, silently weaving the fabric of a child’s imagination and shaping their worldview, provided children are afforded opportunities to read. According to a study that was presented in Italy in 2014, the readers of the print books absorb and remember more of the plot than readers of e-books do. Anyway, regardless of the book version, the very act of reading, with its ability to transport young minds to far-off lands and introduce them to a myriad of characters, plays a pivotal role in shaping childhood. Reading books surely has and shall always have a profound impact on children with positive effects carried into their formative years.
Childhood is a magical time when every experience contributes to the building of a foundation that will shape a person for the rest of their life. Among the plethora of experiences, the act of reading books emerges as a timeless and invaluable contributor to a child’s growth. As children delve into the enchanting realms of literature, they not only acquire language skills but also develop a rich tapestry of emotions, empathy, and critical thinking.
Cognitive Development
Reading is not merely a process of decoding words on a page; it is an intricate dance between the written text and the mind of the reader. For children, this dance is particularly crucial as it lays the groundwork for their cognitive development. As they navigate through the sentences, their brains are actively making connections, enhancing vocabulary, and improving comprehension skills. Studies have shown that children exposed to books from an early age tend to perform better in academic settings, demonstrating advanced language proficiency and cognitive abilities.
Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
The characters in books are not just ink on paper; they are tools for emotional experiences. As children follow the trials and tribulations of fictional protagonists, they begin to understand and empathize with the feelings of others. This empathetic connection to characters from diverse backgrounds and experiences helps foster emotional intelligence, teaching children to navigate their own emotions while understanding those of their peers. Through literature, kids learn that each character, like each person in real life, has a unique story and perspective.
Children’s books are often vessels of moral lessons and values. Whether it’s the triumph of good over evil, the importance of kindness, or the virtue of perseverance, the stories encapsulated in books contribute to the moral compass of a child. As they witness characters facing challenges and making decisions, children internalize these lessons, laying the groundwork for their own ethical framework.
Bonding Through Reading
The act of reading is not only a solitary endeavor but also a communal one. The shared experience of reading aloud with a parent or a caregiver fosters a deep sense of connection. The warmth of a shared story creates lasting memories, forging bonds that extend beyond the pages of a book. This shared experience also opens avenues for meaningful conversations, allowing adults to impart wisdom, answer questions, and address concerns that might arise during the storytelling journey.
Escape and Stress Relief
In the hustle and bustle of the modern world, children, like adults, face stressors that can be overwhelming. School curriculum in countries such as India is many times brutal and extremely stressful for a vast majority of children, I can personally vouch for this. Books that are not related with school or its curriculum serve as a sanctuary, providing an escape from the pressures of daily life. The ability to lose oneself in a captivating story is not just a luxury but a necessity for mental well-being. Reading allows children to detach from their immediate surroundings, reducing stress and promoting a sense of relaxation.
Fostering a Lifelong Love for Learning
The habit of reading cultivated in childhood often extends into adulthood, becoming a lifelong love for learning. Children who develop a positive relationship with books are more likely to seek out knowledge, pursue academic excellence, and approach challenges with a growth mindset. The curious minds nurtured through reading evolve into adults who embrace the continuous journey of self-discovery and education. Many of them start mimicking the very nature of rivers. Because as they say, the rivers never stop flowing even after great odds are ahead of them.
Conclusion
As parents, educators, and caregivers, it is our responsibility to nurture the reading habits of the younger generation. By doing so, we contribute not only to their academic success but also to the development of well-rounded individuals equipped to navigate the complexities of the world with wisdom and compassion. So, let us turn the pages of wisdom together and sow the seeds of a brighter, more literate future.
