“천천히 읽고, 멀리 돌아가야 오래 남는다”

In today's digital age, it's becoming increasingly challenging for children to spend time reading books. To address this shift, a reading method called "샛길독서" (Meandering Reading) has been developed. Inspired by the "slolriding" approach, "샛길독서" encourages children to explore and experience the contents of a book while writing about it. This method provides a more engaging and interactive way of reading compared to traditional methods.

하시모토 다케시, who introduced the "slolriding" concept, adapted it to create "샛길독서." The idea came to him after he observed his son's interest in book-related activities. The method is designed to cater to children's varying levels of maturity and adapt to the Korean context. It incorporates additional experiential activities to make the reading process more enjoyable and accessible at home.

Despite potential difficulties, the method can still work for short-form content-obsessed children. 하시모토 explained that while "slolriding" requires reading through a book slowly, it doesn't necessarily mean reading one page at a time. Instead, readers can focus on a single chapter or section at a time, maintaining the continuity of the narrative. This gradual approach makes the process less daunting for children.

To get started with "샛길독서," there's no need for elaborate activities. For instance, parents can read one chapter with their child, alternating between pages or focusing on vocabulary that may be challenging. After reading a chapter, children can look up unfamiliar words, investigate the locations mentioned in the book, or explore related topics. The key is to follow their curiosity, experience new things, and return to the book for further discussion.

One of the benefits of "slolriding" is its potential to lead to a natural transition into independent reading. As children read and become curious about the author's other works or related time periods, they may naturally gravitate towards exploring new books. This can result in a cycle of continuous reading without the need for additional assignments.

Reading together as a family is essential, especially for younger children. For picture books, parents can read them aloud and engage in hands-on activities that encourage creativity, such as drawing or crafting. As children grow older, they can start writing short reflections about what they've read or even choose their next book based on their interests. This gradual transition of decision-making power to the child fosters independence and curiosity.

The 샛길독서 method emphasizes writing about the reading experience rather than the traditional post-reading assignments. After finishing a book, children can jot down one memorable quote or thought from each 10-page section. This practice allows them to compile a collection of reflections that, when compiled together, create a cohesive piece of writing. Writing is a skill that develops gradually, so consistent practice is vital.

Lastly, parents are advised not to force reading as a chore. Instead, they should make reading a pleasant experience by connecting it to enjoyable activities and family moments. Encouraging children to share their thoughts and memories related to the books they've read can create lasting family traditions and strengthen the bond between parents and children. Consistently reading together, even if it's just one book per month, can help cultivate a lifelong love for reading and foster meaningful family connections.