New Delhi: June 24: In its latest core committee meeting, the National Child Development Council (NCDC) passed a key resolution centered on reviving reading habits among children, emphasizing its role in holistic development and as a tool for diversion from digital distractions and negative influences.
The meeting, led by the senior members of NCDC, witnessed an interesting debate regarding the decreasing culture of reading among students owing to the increase in screen time and mobile use. The committee did recommend inclusion of reading-based activities in the curriculum and teacher training courses to restore the culture of reading at schools and homes.
Important Points Discussed:
Inspiration with Creativity: Members shared ideas on inspiring children to write poetry, publish short books, and take part in literary activities from a young age. An example was mentioned of a student’s poem being adopted as the school opening ceremony song, highlighting the power of young minds.
Reading Against Drug Abuse: Reading was also set as a key component in anti-drug campaigns, serving to deflect students away from destructive influences by exposing them to worthwhile and imaginative endeavors.
Teachers as Role Models: Many members stressed the role that teachers play in building reading culture. “Only a teacher who reads passionately can pass on the same to their students,” opined Shakila Wahab, calling for reading habits to be incorporated in teacher training programmes.
Books Beyond Textbooks: Core members concurred that reading should go beyond textbooks. They recommended the incorporation of novels, comics, and age-literate literature to promote language skills, creativity, and critical thinking.
Curriculum Integration as a Solution: Mohammad Rizwan emphasized incorporating reading programs in the formal syllabus, contending that without structural integration, it would be challenging to direct today’s digital-native generation toward books.
Family and Environmental Influence: Ananthi suggested that reading habits need to be imitated in front of kids at home and in school. “Reading aloud and enjoying the process can encourage children to emulate and participate,” she said.
