The challenge of raising a generation of readers in the age of screens
When Deema Al Alami’s son asks for a new book , the answer is always "yes". There are no spending limits and no questions about whether he really needs another one. A game for the iPad , on the other hand, is an entirely different proposition. “If my son ever says he wants to go buy a book, there’s no budget,” she says. “He can ask me to buy a book any time, anywhere, whenever he wants. If he…
The increasing presence of screens in children's lives presents a significant challenge for parents and educators in the UAE, who are tasked with fostering a love of reading among the younger generation. While Deema Al Alami, a Palestinian children's author and co-founder of Arab Child Summit, always buys her son a new book without hesitation, she ensures he also has access to iPad games, highlighting the importance of balancing different forms of entertainment.
Establishing a reading habit early is crucial, as research shows that daily reading during a child's early years can increase the likelihood of independent reading by 63%. Ahlam Bolooki, the CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation, emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in some families, especially given the oral storytelling tradition prevalent in the UAE. However, reading should not be solely viewed as an educational exercise; it should also be a source of pleasure.
The Emirates Literature Foundation's Reading for Pleasure programme, launched in 2023, offers children at six Dubai primary schools access to books in Arabic and English, allowing them to explore and enjoy reading independently. Deema, a former primary school teacher, recalls the enthusiasm her students displayed when she read aloud to them daily, and she advocates for giving older children more freedom to choose their own reading materials within a specific genre.
While digital devices are deeply ingrained in children's lives, Ahlam Bolooki warns against eliminating technology entirely, as it is an integral part of their future. Instead, she encourages children to learn how to navigate technology effectively while developing the ability to question information and seek alternative perspectives, a skill that may become increasingly important as artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent.
By fostering a love of reading and critical thinking, parents can help their children develop essential skills for the digital age and beyond.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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