Raising Readers In A Digital World
There’s no denying that the lure of electronic devices is compelling. E-books seem to be more and more prevalent, relegating ink-and-paper books to gather dust on the bookshelves. This is a puzzlement for me, a Baby Boomer.
As a child, I was given prizes by the librarian for filling up several library cards within a school year. In college, my favorite “tambayan” (hang-out) between classes was the U.P. Main Library. Being surrounded by old books was comforting, and just like before, I borrowed several to bring home.
My love for writing blossomed from my love for reading. Words fascinated me, and syntax even more so. As my children were growing up, I tried my best to pass on this love for reading and writing. To my dismay, they didn’t seem to catch it then. But the seeds had been planted. Now adults, they have embraced reading both fiction and non-fiction with a passion. My two sons are musicians weaving words into poetry set in music, while my daughters are marketing wordsmiths. It’s a full circle moment when I see one of my grandchildren intently reading a book, lost in its mystical world.
Here are some practical tips I can offer mindful parents —
Start ‘em young! Snuggle with a storybook at bedtime, changing your voice for different characters if you can.
Spend quality time with your child by scouring bookstores and attending book festivals or book-reading events.
Select age-appropriate books that teach positive lessons.
Spark the child’s interest by investing in books that are well-written and beautifully illustrated.
Set an accessible and cozy space exclusive for the child’s own library.
Steer the child away from using devices for entertainment by packing physical books over e-books when traveling. And most importantly,
Show them you love reading too!
So, the question is- how do we raise readers in a digital world? One seed at a time. One book at a time. One generation at a time. Happy reading!
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Lollétte Oliva-Alipe is a professional trainer specializing in effective communication, and personality and career development. She is a broadcast communications graduate from the University of the Philippines and a Triple A Awardee of her alma mater, Maryknoll College. It was in her elementary years at Maryknoll College when she developed her love for reading, spending countless hours reading story books borrowed from the school library.
She is mom to four biological children, four foster children and one adopted daughter, and Mamita to four—and soon to be five—grandkids. She has written a book for couples, Play Nice and Fight Fair, and other Practical Lessons from 35 Years of Marriage, published by OMF Literature. She and Em, her husband of more than 40 years, live in Cebu City with Maki, their youngest daughter.