Story from page 6 - DNA WESTCOAST STORIES, dnaofmumbai
Reading is back in fashion
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Reading clubs across the ‘burbs are bringing old-fashioned reading back into the limelight
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 Janice Goveas @janoella | ||
Let’s start with Page Turners, based in Malad (W) and
run by Menaka Warrier, an English teacher. Warrier, while teaching at an
international school, learned that children found it difficult to think
out of the box. She says, “The school librarian, Sunita Bakhru, and I
both noticed that children who read books regularly were able to do
tasks much faster and with greater ease. They were accustomed to using
the language more. This made us realise that children need to read
outside their curriculum, and on a regular basis. Also, they need to
read for fun, not just to answer questions.”
The power of storiesPage Turners is more than a reading club. Children often need an outlet to talk about their fears and aspirations. Warrier adds, “My classroom discussions led to discussing life lessons that children (with their short-term memory) have continued to remember even after a couple of years. I realised that stories are a great way to learn life lessons and should be actively used as such.” Page Turners currently has a group of 10–12 year old children coming to them. The team is hoping to expand to younger and older audiences soon. Presently, the reading comprises short stories and extracts from children's books with a few pre-reading activities to introduce children to the theme. Harshika Udaasi, a freelancer and ex-journalist who is now an entrepreneur with Booktrotters Club in Borivali (W) has a similar story to tell. She says, “(Reading) helps open up the child's imagination and, unlike popular belief that imagination fuels only fantasy, it helps children resolve problems in unique ways. It builds vocabulary and makes them more confident, besides giving them the lifelong company of books.” Udaasi started the book club two years ago with a simple concept—let’s make children read. She adds, “What initially began as storytelling sessions quickly evolved into read-aloud sessions for young readers and creative writing and communication skills for older children. A lot of effort goes into making the sessions fun and interactive as the team believes what children's writer and educationist, Mem Fox, has said: “When I say to a parent "read to a child", I don't want it to sound like medicine, I want it to sound like chocolate.” A wholesome approach Through short-term workshops, an open library for members and three-month sessions in story narrations, writing and book reading; Book Trotters Club is raising happy readers who are now compelling their parents to gift them books rather than the latest gadget. Udaasi has also launched her website www.booktrottersclub.com recently to match up to the popularity of her club. Kiran Pathak who is a stay-at-home mum is now eyeing this space eagerly. Pathak is absolutely convinced that reading will never go out of fashion. She says, “There is always room for competition and the area where I live—Borivali—could use more of such activity clubs with a focus on reading and this is especially needed when kids are on vacation and can read in their leisure time.” Not only are children being brought back to the physical book, interesting cafés in the suburbs are giving a fillip to this age-old passion even to adults. Kommune’s latest adventure with performance poetry, dramatic readings and live music just took off at the Leaping Windows Comic Café at Yari Road,Andheri (W). But more on that in my next story. Until then, keep reading. reader.revert@dnaindia.net |
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Published Date: Apr 29, 2016
Source: http://epaper.dnaindia.com
