Summer reading, happens so fast: The secret sauce for student growth

As an individual shaped by theatre, travel, and reading, I fondly remember my childhood obsession with books. I’d often read at the dinner table, under blankets with a torch, or hide storybooks inside school books. My parents generously provided Champaks, Target, Archies Comics, Calvin and Hobbes, Sportstars, Readers Digest, Oliver Twist, Tale of Two Cities, Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, Aflatooni Kahaniyaan, and the first Harry Potter book. Reading before bed calmed my mind and separated me from daily disturbances.

Growing up in the 90s, I appreciated the blend of technology and old-world charm.
Summers evoke memories of playing dawn to dusk, enjoying lemonades, mangoes, and bonding with friends over movies, music, and stories. As one of the hottest Indian summers approaches in 2024, it’s crucial for parents to prioritize reading for their children. Summer reading ensures children return from vacations sharper, more empathetic, and happier. It develops critical thinking and knowledge retention, contrary to waiting for the perfect reading moment, which seldom happens. Reading newspapers, making journal notes, and researching daily, even for 21 minutes, is essential and transformative.

Summer reading builds vocabulary, vital for personal growth. Podcasts offer an alternative to learn from books while traveling, running, or walking. Conversations can change lives. In today’s social era, avoiding social media is challenging. Parents should ensure their children’s smart devices display quality content, avoiding junk.

Five reasons why reading should be prioritized this summer:
1.Acquire Knowledge: Reading fills the mind with information, knowledge, problem-solving skills, and analysis. It’s crucial for academic success.
2.Creative Thinking and Visualization: Books stimulate creative thinking, visualization, and articulation.
3.Be More Social: Readers have better communication skills, a holistic worldview, and are more sociable.
4.Improve Concentration: Reading improves concentration, memory, and focus in a world of constant smart device checks.
5.Boost Motivation: Reading about others’ growth boosts motivation and builds confidence with diverse perspectives.

Reading is a priceless habit, akin to a mental workout, as important as physical exercise. After high school, college, and early working days, my reading habit stalled but has resurged in recent years. Research shows many people want to read but claim they lack time, yet the average person binge-watches over 2.5 hours of television daily.

At Seth M.R. Jaipuria Schools, structured reading programs, creative storytelling, reading assessments, and book clubs are integral. Graucho Marx’s quote resonates: “I find television very educational; every time it’s on, I leave the room and go read a book.” While relaxation, socializing, and entertainment are important, so is personal development.

Embrace juices, ice creams, and books. Exercise, eat healthily, and resolve to read daily in 2024. Summers will pass quickly; developing the reading habit will enrich your life immeasurably.

The author is the Group Director, Seth MR Jaipuria Schools.