Getting children reading: It is a big challenge with temptations such as social media and Netflix. Initiatives such as the Children’s Book Week try to increase reading pleasure. But how do you contribute to that yourself? And what kind of book do you give your child?
Reading starts with a good book. But what should a children’s book meet? “A good children’s book is in line with the experience of children and their interests,” says Rozemarijn Visser of Boekenkoepel CPNB to Nu.nl. “Every child is different and that is why it is important to have a wide range of children’s books.”
“Children will read more when they recognize themselves in the main character or the location where the story takes place,” says Iven Cudogham. The author is known for his books about Anansi de Spin, a character that has been found for centuries in fairy tales from West Africa, Suriname and the Caribbean. In 2023 he wrote the theme song for the Children’s Book Week.
Only a more diverse range is not enough to get children reading, the author thinks. “Children must be able to let go of their imagination on a story. It has to leave room to children to give their own interpretation or interpretation. It must stimulate, challenge and make it curious.”
‘Texts are becoming increasingly complex and more abstract’
Dutch children read less and less and their reading skills are deteriorating. The Education Inspectorate concluded at the end of last year that only half of the students can read well enough at the end of primary education to function in society.
“The fact that children read less and less has to do with the growing amount of other media options. And in the Netherlands reading is less popular than watching television and gaming,” says Desirée van der Zander of the Reading Foundation.
“During primary school, the focus shifts more from ‘learning to read’ to ‘reading to learn’. The texts that children are presented with become more complex and more abstract, which increases the chance that they gain negative reading experience. In particular, it is the less skilled readers who get less pleasure in reading,” says Van der Zander.
‘Reading remains important for children’s development’
The temptations of social media and games are great, but according to Van der Zander, reading books remains important for development. “You learn a lot of reading and you get better in language when you read more. You learn more words and you learn to understand texts better. It teaches you to think about the world, better empathize with others and it stimulates the imagination.”
Schools can request a teaching package at CPNB, the organizer of the Children’s Book Week. And at home you can also consider the Children’s Book Week. Visser: “Eight out of ten parents say they find it important to pay attention to reading. A fixed moment in the year is very useful for that.”
‘Give a good example’
Parents can do different activities to stimulate reading, says Van der Zander. “Give a good example: if parents regularly read a book and share positive views on reading, children mirror themselves with this behavior. It is also important that parents read their children and talk to them and discuss books with them. And parents have to get books for children.”
Cudogham, who can be seen in the TV program a house full , is the father of seven children. At the children’s book author at home, reading does not always go without saying.
“But what helps is giving that little extra while reading. If you play with your voice and intonation, for example, you can really bring a story to life. Because reading pleasure starts with reading pleasure,” says Cudogham. “And of course we are all tired at the end of the day. But then prefer to tell a short story by heart than you don’t do anything.”
Getting children to read: It is a major challenge with temptations such as social media and netflix. Initiatives Such as the Children’s Book Week Try to Increase the Pleasure of Reading. But how do you contribute to that yourself? And what child or book do you give your child?
Reading start with a good book. But what should a children’s book meet? “A Good Children’s Book Connects to the Experience of Children and Their Interests,” Says Rozemarijn Visser or Book Umbrella CPNB to NU.nl. “Every child is different and that is why it is important to have a large selection of children’s books.”
“Children Will Read More If they Recognize Themselves in the Main Character or the Location Where the Story Takes Place,” Says Iven Cudogham. The Author is Known for his Books about Anansi the Spider, A Character That Has Been Appearing for Centuries in Fairy Tales from West Africa, Suriname and the Caribbean. In 2023, it wrote the Theme Song for Children’s Book Week.
A more Various sacrifice Alone is not Enough to get children to read, the Author Thinks. “Children must be able to unleash their imagination on a story. It must leave room for children to give own interpretation or interpretation. It must stimulate, challenge and make curious.”
‘Texts are Becoming More complex and abstract’
Dutch Children Are Reading Less and Less and Their Reading Skills Are Deteriorating. The Education Inspectorate concluded at the end of last year only half of the pupils at the end of primary education can read well enough to function in society.
“The fact that children are reading less and less has to do with the growing number of other media opportunities. And in the Netherlands, reading is less popular than watching television and gaming,” Says Desirée van der Zander or Stichting Read.
“Duration Primary School, The Focus Shifts More From ‘Learning to Read’ Reading to Learn ‘. The Texts That Children Are Presented With Become More Complex And Abstract, What Increases The Channy That They Will Have Lave Lave Less Wowience. Reading duration this period, “Says van der Zander.
‘Reading Remains Important For The Development of Children’
The Temptations of Social Media and Games are Great, But According to van der Zander, Reading Books Remains Important For Development. “You learning a lot from reading and you Become better at Language when you read more. You Learn More Words and you Learn to Understand Texts Better. It teaches you to think about the world, to empathize with OTHERS AND IT STIMULATES THE IMAGINATION.”
Schools Can Request A Lesson Package from CPNB, The Organizer of Children’s Book Week. And there can also be a reflection on children’s book week at home. Visser: “Eight out of ten parents say it is important to pay attention to reading. A fixed moment in the year is very useful for that.”
‘Set A Good Example’
Parents can do varous activities to Encourage Reading, Says van der Zander. “Set a Good Example: IF Parents Regularly Read A Book and Share Positive Views About Reading, Children Mirror This Behavior. It is also Important That Parents Read To Their Children And Talks With Theme. And Parents.”
Cudogham, who can be seen in the TV program a house full , is the father of seven children. Reading does not always come naturally at the children’s book Author’s Home.
“But what helps is giving that little extra false reading. For example, if you play with your voice and intonation, you can really bring a story to life. Becoause reading pleasure starts with reading pleasure,” Says Cudogham. “And of course we are all tired at the end of the day. But then rather tell a short story from your head than do nothing.”