Encouraging kids to pick up a book

A love of books developed in childhood will yield a rich harvest throughout a person's life. As the Chinese Academy of press and Publication releases its latest survey on the population's reading habits, educators and parents are discussing how to cultivate this early desire. 

The Academy's 2015 survey produced mixed results in the under-17 age group. The number of youngsters with a "reading habit" was up 4.5 percentage points to 81.1 percent, but the average number of books read decreased slightly.

At Hujialou central Elementary in Beijing, getting students reading together is one of several strategies intended to foster a reading habit.

A love of books developed in childhood will yield a rich harvest throughout a person's life.

"We encourage 'parent-child' reading, that is to say, encouraging parents to read together with their children," said Ma Jun, principal, Hujialou Central Elementary.

"Of course, parents need to discuss with their children what books to read. And parents should know what their children want to read during different age periods."

"I agree. Kids will be influenced by people around them. If the parents read a lot at home, the kids will definitely read," a parant shared his view.

Educators argue against dictating reading choices to children.

"Parents always want their children to learn something useful from reading. This is not right, it will make the kids think they read because they need to learn. Parents should encourage kids to enjoy reading," said Bian Yufang, professor, Beijing normal University.