Creating interest among students to read books and magazines

TOPIC OF THE MONTH: In recent years, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, there’s been a great shift of interest from print media to digital media, leading to depression, despair and lack of knowledge. What remedies do you suggest to create interest among students to read books and magazines?

To cultivate the reading habit in students, schools should initiate student book clubs. Schools can start hosting in-class reading sessions where students go to the library and pick a book to read. The teachers could then hand out homework on the books that the students have read, and conduct group activities so that reading physical copies of books will become their habit and a bond between students – a friendship maker!
Mathew George Kandathil (13)
Mahatma Gandhi International School, Ahmedabad

First, schools should revamp their libraries into inviting spaces, offering a diverse range of books and magazines that cater to various interests and reading levels. A well-curated collection ensures that students find topics that resonate with their curiosity. Secondly, integrate reading into the curriculum by assigning relevant materials that complement subjects taught in class. This makes reading a practical and enriching part of their academic journey. Thirdly, embrace technology by providing access to digital resources such as e-books and interactive magazines. Technology not only makes reading more accessible but also engages students through multimedia elements. Lastly, foster a culture of reading through extracurricular activities like book clubs and author visits. These initiatives encourage social interaction and allow students to share their reading experiences, further igniting their interest in books and magazines.
Jigisha Soni (17)
Father Agnel School, Greater Noida

Schools should enrich libraries with diverse, captivating books to spark interest. Dedicate 30 minutes daily to silent reading to nurture a lifelong love for reading. Host inter-house reading competitions and integrate oral segments into language exams to help students develop extensive vocabulary and eloquent speaking skills. Parents must recognize the essential role of fostering reading and speaking abilities in their children so they can converse confidently and navigate communication challenges in the future.
Sara Tamseel Khwaja (14)
St Joseph’s Convent High School, Gandhi Maidan, Patna

To spark students’ interest in reading, provide a wide range of books and magazines that cater to their diverse interests. Create inviting reading environments and organize engaging activities like book clubs, reading challenges, and interactive discussions. Incorporate creative projects related to the reading material to make the experience enjoyable. Allow students to choose their reading materials to ensure they are engaged and motivated to read regularly.
Meghna Ghosh (14)
Father Agnel School, Greater Noida

Incorporate reading into the curriculum with creative projects and assignments. Use social media tools to create book-related content and communities. Conduct book fairs, reading competitions, book clubs, etc. to encourage students to create their own stories or book reviews. Provide access to e-readers and audiobooks for varied reading. Provide rewards for reading milestones.
Anshuman Singh (16)
Father Agnel School, Greater Noida

In an age of screens, fostering a love for books among students is crucial. Schools can ignite this passion through interactive book clubs, inviting author sessions, and themed reading weeks. Cosy reading corners and diverse genre offerings further entice exploration. By blending traditional and digital formats, educators ensure accessibility, making the journey from reluctant to avid reader an exciting adventure for every student. By blending technology with timeless paperbacks, schools cultivate a reading culture that not only enriches academic growth but also sparks lifelong curiosity and creativity among the young minds of tomorrow.
Nishka Kashyap (13)
Father Agnel School, Greater Noida

To foster student interest in reading books and magazines, schools can implement engaging book clubs, organize author visits, establish reading challenges with rewards, create cosy reading corners, and host book fairs. Teachers should recommend diverse genres and topics, connect readings to real-world issues, and integrate technology for interactive learning experiences. Encouraging parental involvement and showcasing student book reviews can further stimulate reading enthusiasm.
Shruti Thakur (16)
Father Agnel School, Greater Noida

Schools can implement interesting programmes like book clubs, where students discuss their favourite books with one another, to encourage a love of reading among the pupils. To pique interest, libraries can hold author-interactive workshops or reading challenges with a theme. Interests are also expanded when reading lists include a variety of genres and subjects. Last but not least, creating a relaxing reading space with nooks and access to a range of publications can stimulate discovery even more.
Aviral Yadav (14)
Fr Agnel School, Greater Noida

These interactive activities can make reading a social and enjoyable experience:
Guest Author Visits: Invite authors to speak about their books and writing process.
Reading Rewards: Implement a reward system for completing books or reading challenges.
Digital Integration: Use e-books and audiobooks to cater to tech-savvy students.
Creative Projects: Encourage students to create their own stories or book-related art.
Reading Buddies: Pair older students with younger ones to read together.
Themed Reading Weeks: Organize events around specific themes or genres.
Personalized Book Recommendations: Tailor suggestions based on individual interests.
Dhananjay Mishra (12)
Father Agnel School, Greater Noida

Utilize technology by offering access to e-books, audiobooks, or digital magazines, catering to different learning preferences. Encourage peer recommendations and allow students to suggest books they find interesting, fostering a sense of ownership in their reading choices. Implement reading challenges or competitions with incentives like certificates or small rewards to motivate students to achieve reading milestones.
Lavanya Neeraj (14)
Fr Agnel School, Greater Noida