Reading Makes Life Better

      In May, the Far West Campus Senior Kindergarten invited their parents to read English books to the children.This was a good way to build a better relationship between children and their parents as well as parents were able to set a good example that we all tried hard to learn English.

          There were eleven children in Senior Kindergarten and eight parents came to read. I could tell how excited the children were when their mom or dad came to read for us. Each parent had shown great effort and preparation when sharing their reading choice with the class. Some parents made some notes, some practiced many times and some even found an audio. Children enjoyed each reading very much.

After the parent reading portion, the children and parents were given time to explore and choose books to read. This portion allowed parents and students to utilize our library and read various books that would otherwise be unavailable to them. Students were able to share in their interest with their parents, which was the happiest time for them. 

        This time allowed children to develop a good habit of reading. They read individually, with partners as well as a whole group.

      It is significant to read books everyday, because it develops a good reading habbit. It doesn’t matter if it is a Chinese book or an English book, just read and enjoy. It helps to maintain the English level of the children, and improve their ability to focus, use logic and comprehension.

    Second, it is important that children are exposed to various kinds of books. It can be common for parents to buy books that their children are interested in. In fact, there are many types of books that chilren can read. Thus they can broaden their horizon and open their minds.

    Next, if parents are going to read English books, they should try to read it in English and not translate it into Chinese. If parents are not confident of their pronunciation, they can check the English or buy a book with a CD. If it is translated a lot, the children may get used to the translation and depend on it, which may cause them to forget the deeper thinking.

       Last but not the least, be sensitive parents. Parents should have a clear knowledge of which level of listening, speaking, reading and writing the children have. Once they went to primary school, parents should buy books that get continuously difficult.

       I asked the kids to give the certificates to their parents as an usher, and their parents appreciated this!