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Well written books have an everlasting influence on the minds of readers, young or old. When I was a child I read a story based on Buddhist literature. It was so well written that I still remember some of the phrases from it, and how it had touched me.
A well written book read on the lap of the mother is the best recipe for building a smart and intelligent reader.
How can a mother inculcate love for reading most effectively? My experience has convinced me that the best readers are made on the laps of their mothers. A young child, when held on the lap by a mother, as she reads to her or him, will leave a deep impression on the mind and a fond remembrance in the heart, in later years. If this is done consistently, the child would be conditioned to read books since he or she would associate the pleasure of sitting snugly on the mother's lap, with reading. Holding a book will then become the ‘touch of love.'
I visited Reading Rainbow in March 2004 and was pleased to see that it acts like a reading mother's lap, giving children that comfortable and pleasurable experience of a mother's warmth. Children there were happy and full of excitement about stories. I spent some time with them at the centre. They had books and authors on their fingertips and were ready with answers about anything that I asked them. Later in the day, I addressed a gathering of Reading Rainbow family and friends and was very impressed with their knowledge.
When I see work such as this, it confirms my belief that books give a feeling of belonging and ownership, which in turn gives a sense of peace, contentment and security. Anyone who is full of such positive feelings develops tremendous self- esteem. And those who have self esteem focus well and learn a great deal.
To those, who haven't yet explored the world of reading, I would say that it's an investment in future, so do it now, for yourself and for your child. I would ask those, who have the privilege of having access to good books, to take full advantage of this great opportunity, and never lose it.
My best wishes to Reading Rainbow and to all those who believe in reading and are working towards this worthy cause.
Uncle Pai
Nov 18, 2007
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