How To Develop Reading Habits in Pinoy Kids

Building robust reading literacy in the Philippines is critical for children’s educational and personal growth. Recent reports reveal the Philippines ranked last in reading comprehension among 79 countries in the 2019 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). A concerted effort from parents, educators, and the community is essential to improve this situation. Here are effective strategies to develop reading habits in Pinoy kids.

Expose Children to a Variety of Texts

One major factor contributing to the Philippines’ low ranking in reading literacy is the limited exposure to informational texts. According to Frederick Sotto Perez, president of the Reading Association of the Philippines, students are more familiar with narrative texts, which are common in their curriculum. However, the PISA assessment focuses heavily on informational texts. To address this gap, it is essential to introduce children to both narrative and informational texts early on. Teachers can adopt guided reading strategies, providing students with texts and guiding them through the reading process. This method helps students develop the skills to comprehend informational texts and improve their reading abilities.

Create a Reading-Friendly Environment

Creating a reading-friendly environment at home and in schools can significantly boost reading literacy in the Philippines. At home, parents should designate a special reading nook filled with various books suited to their child’s age and interests. Fun accessories like bean bags and creative books like pop-ups can make reading enjoyable. In schools, teachers should set up reading corners with diverse genres and levels of difficulty to cater to different interests and reading abilities.

Leverage Technology

Incorporating technology into reading practices can make reading more engaging for children. Educational apps, e-books, and audiobooks offer interactive elements that can enhance reading skills. Perez emphasizes the importance of teaching students how to evaluate the credibility of online texts, fostering critical thinking skills essential for navigating digital information. After reading a physical book, children can engage in related online activities to deepen their understanding of the content. This multimedia approach caters to different learning styles and motivates children to read more.

Encourage Reading for Pleasure

Developing a habit of reading for pleasure is crucial for improving reading literacy in the Philippines. Parents and teachers should encourage children to read materials that interest them, whether fiction, non-fiction, comics, or poetry. Allowing children to choose their reading materials makes them more likely to find joy in reading, which enhances their comprehension and retention skills. Celebrating reading milestones and creating positive reinforcement around reading activities can further motivate children to develop a love for reading.

Utilize Community Resources

Community involvement plays a vital role in fostering reading habits among Filipino children. Regular trips to the library can expose children to a wide range of books and authors. Libraries often offer story hours and literacy programs that can enhance reading skills. Additionally, community reading programs and book fairs can provide access to books and create a supportive environment for young readers. Volunteers can mentor children through reading clubs or storytelling sessions, offering personalized guidance and encouragement.

Model Good Reading Habits

Children learn by observing adults. Parents and teachers should act as role models by reading regularly in front of children. Whether it’s a book, magazine, or graphic novel, showing enthusiasm for reading can inspire children to adopt similar habits. Encouraging children to join in with their books when adults are reading can create a shared reading experience that reinforces the importance of reading.

In conclusion, improving reading literacy in the Philippines requires a multifaceted approach that involves early exposure to diverse texts, creating a conducive reading environment, leveraging technology, encouraging reading for pleasure, utilizing community resources, and modeling good reading habits. By implementing these strategies, we can significantly enhance reading literacy in the Philippines and ensure that Filipino children develop strong reading habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.