The first steps
Winnie the Pooh, Cat in the Hat, Paddington Bear, these are titles that bring back memories. These are some of the books I read as a child. Now as books go, they aren't exactly at the pinnacle of literary achievement. However, what they did was to transport me to another world. They taught me to understand I didn't have to stay in this world; I could go to any world I chose, as long as someone had written about it.
These books, amongst many others, gave me a lifelong interest in reading.
They gave me more than that. They gave me a lifelong interest in exploring, questioning, learning; our worlds, other worlds, relationships, pretty much anything you can think of. Their value lies way beyond the words they contain.
Apparently, I learned to read at an early age. By the time I went to school, I was able read the newspaper (clearly not the Financial Times as I still have no money). I don't remember it, but I remember wondering why others in my class had no idea how to read. We need to teach children before they start school and in such a way they enjoy reading. They must never find it a chore, it should always be fun. My children are adults now, and they still enjoy reading. They too learned at an early age, and the love of books has stayed with them. And just think how much time teachers could devote to other things if the basics of reading were already with the children when they start at school. Perhaps starting early is the key to a continuing love of the written word. I am sure many parents do teach their children, but equally, many don't, and that is such a shame.
What does concern me is that I don't see many children reading, plenty on games consoles and playing on mobile phones. I can't recall the last time I saw a child with a book in their hands. Wouldn't it be a shame if we lose that ability to be transported to a fantasy land? A place where anything is possible, where reality can be suspended and a wondrous world created.
Fishing for Stones available on Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/1ESivr5 Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/1Hc5Sss
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