Reading to bring more understanding

An initial study to understand reading culture concluded that non-curricular reading among students is minimal. Teachers did not grasp the importance of a dedicated reading space. Knowledge of age-appropriate reading material among teachers is lacking while little or no priority is given to reading at home as parents and guardians do not have the habit of reading themselves.

This programme looks to combat the growing disinterest in reading due to lack of age and grade-specific books as well as a dedicated reading space. To address this issue, library educators partook in a four-day capacity building workshop on how to engage with students in reading-related activities. The spaces are also provided with necessary infrastructure and books (in both English and Kannada). Facilitators are provided with tablets to handle MIS and undergo regular training.

100 Government Higher Primary schools have been brought in as a part of the Tata Trusts Parag Library initiative, where reading capabilities in both English and Kannada are strengthened. This programme has improved the reading skills, general knowledge and fluency of students in grades 4 to 7. Forty of the schools are a part of the intensive approach, with dedicated library spaces with specially trained facilitators while the remaining sixty are under the extensive approach, which are run by school teachers.