Climbing the Reading Ladder for Real Literacy

Reading for Empowerment

Deepa Agarwal

Effective literacy

“The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read.”

Mark Twain Literacy is not simply the basic ability to read and write, but a

skill that can be effectively utilized for a better life. This is a fundamental truth which, unfortunately, an alarming

percentage of the human race is unable to grasp. Effective literacy has an undeniable connection with the

reading habit.

Reading skills are not easily acquired

Every child does not master reading easily.

Both home and classroom support is crucial.

Age appropriate material, according to a child’s cognitive capabilities, knowledge levels and interest is essential to develop and nurture reading skills.

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The role of good children’s literature

Leisure reading plays a crucial role in developing reading skills.

Children get discouraged when a task is too challenging.

If the reading matter arouses their curiosity, it vanquishes diffidence.

This is perhaps the most important aspect of the role of children’s literature in supporting literacy—providing children with books they feel enthusiastic about at every phase of development.

Reading skills need nurturing

Reading like any other skill, needs constant practice and reinforcement.

Graded material acts as a road map even though children of the same age may have different reading levels.

Picture books are a child’s gateway to reading.

Simple plotlines, accessible language in short sentences.

Controlled vocabulary, repetition, similar sounding and rhyming words.

Attractive illustrations to complement the text.

Steps to becoming an independent reader:

Picture books

The next step—chapter books

Chapter books represent a very important step up the reading ladder.

A child reads picture books with the help of pictures. In chapter books the role of illustrations is reduced and a

child is compelled to focus on the text. The child who can meet this challenge is motivated to spread

her reading wings further.

What makes a good chapter book?

The plotline should be simple and focused on one problem. Childhood experience is essential. Problem solving, relationships, common childhood anxieties

are subjects that appeal. Plenty of action to hold a child’s attention. Humour adds to reading pleasure. Controlled vocabulary, repetition, similar sounding and

rhyming words.

Popular chapter books for beginner readers

Chapter books for the 7+ age

The next step—middle grade readers

Children have developed their reading preferences by this stage and insist on choosing independently.

They need greater challenges in language and plot, longer chapters and a more evolved storyline

Love action, thrills and suspense. Also stories about relationships

and the issues they encounter in their everyday lives.

Look for a positive resolution of the problem.

The next step—young adult books

The coming of age theme dominates this genre which usually focusses on adolescent angst.

Asserting independence, seeking an identity, rebelling against authority, romance and sexual issues.

A teenager can face brutal truths and rather than a positive denouement, the main character’s growth as an individual, their process of self-discovery must be made apparent to the reader.

How does age appropriate literature reinforce literacy?

Age appropriate literature keeps children engaged, thus developing and reinforcing their reading and comprehension skills.

Good children's literature helps young readers make sense of their lives by offering insights and solutions to problems.

Empowers by presenting suitable role models.

Reading hones communication ability, thus enabling a child to gain maximum benefit from literacy.