St James’ School conducted a book reading session for parents to tell them that unless they read children will not develop the habit of reading.
Teachers and students participated in a dramatised reading of two books — Chowringhee Charms and Playhouse Park Street.
The books are written by former St James’ teacher Sumita Banerjea, who was present at the session.
Banerjea taught geography and was in charge of the school library till she left the school.
If adults do not read, they will not be able to inculcate that habit in children, principal Terence Ireland told the parents during the session.
He was addressing 100-odd parents from Classes V to VIII who had turned up for the session after school, earlier this month.
“We want parents to read and get into a habit of reading.... When children see their parents they would want to follow their parents,” he said.
Parents often blame their children for being hooked to the phone or some other device but they are often doing exactly the same.
Children emulate their parents when they see them on the device all the while. “Quite naturally, they understand that to be the right practice,” a teacher said.
Ireland said that after the Covid pandemic, children have become increasingly dependent on devices and technology and losing out on the habit of collecting or reading books.
“The impact is showing in their writing skills. They are unable to express themselves through the written word. They cannot develop their essays as they should,” said Ireland.
Turning the pages of a book is not the same as swiping a screen, he said.
Reading fans the imagination in a young mind and that is reflected in the writing, teachers across schools say.
“Many students write essays which are sketchy and lack imagination,” said Joseph Chacko, English teacher.
“Our school has two very well-stocked libraries for our students but over the years we have noticed a decline in the reading habit. Even if there are library periods in the timetable, there are only a few students who borrow books,” said Chacko.
Across schools, teachers have been complaining of spelling errors.
Abbreviations and text message-like language have entered the language papers.
Banerjea said that if parents read “even one book in a couple of months, and read to their children as a matter of habit” it will greatly help build the reading habit.
“Reading is not alone for knowledge but it enhances communication skills and vocabulary. It gives one the confidence to be able to talk in a group, participate and give inputs,” said Banerjea.
Of the 600-odd parents from Classes V to VIII, 100-odd turned up for the session. But the school is hopeful.
“It is the first time that the school has done something like this. About 15 to 20 per cent of parents have responded,” said a teacher.
The effort matters because the message is passed on to other parents and students that the school is trying to focus on reading and inculcate this habit in children, said Ireland.