For parents who enjoy reading — or even those who want to introduce the hobby to their children — motivating a reluctant young reader can be tricky. However, it is not impossible, say experts, so long as parents keep the following methods in mind.
Identify reasons for reluctance
The first step, says children’s book author Lesley D Biswas, is to explore why your child may be reluctant to pick up a book. Perceiving reading as a boring activity, not discovering the right book to pique curiosity or suit reading levels, as well as pressuring children to read in order to improve academic performance rather than for pleasure could be some reasons, she explains.
“Allow your child to choose their own books and read for fun,” adds Biswas. "Introduce a variety of titles by different authors, across genres and interests. Visiting bookstores, book fairs, book events or gifting a library membership can be some options."
It is also important to differentiate between a reluctant reader and a struggling reader. A child who seems to be unwilling could be facing reading difficulties or vision issues, in which case seek expert guidance.
When and how to start
Starting early is important. Writer and children’s book author Anita Satyajit says: “Ideally, we should give children a book in the hand the moment they can hold one.”
For young children, choose illustrated books with bright imagery and read aloud to them by pointing to pictures.
Try linking a book, character or plot line to their life
Anita Satyajit,
author
“If you aren’t one already, become a reader yourself and let your child see the grown-ups around them reading for pleasure,” says Shruthi Rao, who writes books of fiction and non-fiction for children.
Seek recommendations from other parents, neighbourhood bookstores or a library, Rao adds. “Once the child is old enough, let them take the initiative and choose the books they want to read," she says.
Variety is the spice of life
Ekta Bhandari is the co-founder of Read A Kitaab, a community of readers worldwide. Illustrated pages aside, she suggests introducing activity books and those with a child’s favourite cartoon characters to capture interest.
For children who love listening to stories, audiobooks can be a fantastic catalyst
Lesley D Biswas,
children’s book author
“Not everyone likes the same flavour of chocolate. Similarly, not everyone likes the same kind of books,” says Satyajit, who believes in offering children any and all age-appropriate reading material, from magazines, comics and graphic novels, to recipe books, manuals and maps to encourage exploration. The key is to build the foundation with patience and experimentation.
Ignite curiosity
Forcing the issue is not an effective tactic when it comes to inculcating a lifelong love of reading, so try to captivate instead of coerce.
One tactic is to bring up a character or plot line hours or even days after the book has been read, another is to draw parallels between the book and the child’s own interests. “Try linking a book, character or plot line to their life," suggests Satyajit. "So ask something like: ‘The child in this book made this choice, but what would you do?’
“Focus on topics of interest. For example, if a child likes cricket, then a book where the main character plays cricket could help.”
Biswas adds: “If they get invested in the first book of a series, they’re likely to complete the series.”
Another solution for children who enjoy watching movies is to proffer books that have been adapted into films.
Time and place
Creating a cosy reading corner helped capture the attention of Vanita Mishra's daughter Siya. The family built a little nook with cushions and a low table. “We transformed a wooden crate into a bookcase and Siya happily placed her books with ours and started sitting with us,” says Mishra. Initially, Siya, five, would flip through pages for a few minutes and leave, but soon the time she was spending in the nook increased.
“For bookworms, everywhere is a reading place and every time is a reading time,” notes Rao, but says some children may work better within a structure. In such cases, having family time to read books can work wonders even if they read only for a few minutes or a few times a week to start with.
Reading at bedtime is another option. Have a cut-off time for screens and devices gadgets to help children turn to a book rather than other distractions. Satyajit says: “There is nothing as comforting as snuggling into bed with a book. Get into bed and read with them; it does not matter if they are three or 13.”
Birds of a feather
Biswas suggests making reading a social activity among older children, who can discuss themes, favourite characters, how they do or do not relate to them and even what they would change if they were the author.
Read A Kitaab chooses a book of the month for children to read and discuss online. “We offer a calm and safe space to interact and exchange ideas, provide an online library and schedule book discussions, nuanced talks and author conversations,” says Bhandari.
Following a session that required children to prepare a brief monologue on the books they had read, she says: “We received feedback from so many parents that their children can now speak more confidently on subjects and are reading more regularly.”
Younger children may benefit from storytelling sessions, says Satyajit, especially those who enjoy group rather than solo activities.
However, Rao cautions group sessions will only help if the child is open and willing to communicate. If not, she says: “Forced book discussions could backfire”.
Digital props and pitfalls
Often reluctant readers prefer screens to books and many children are more attracted by live movement than stationary pages. Satyajit says reducing screentime is an effective strategy to push books to the forefront, while Bhandari notes: “Books provide an opportunity for parents to interact and talk with kids, and might, in turn, help them cut down on digital media usage.”
However, forcing children to read books by cutting into screen time can be detrimental, leading them to "resent" reading, Rao says. The ideal approach, she adds, is to introduce them to books slowly, which will naturally reduce screen time.
While reading paper books can decrease the use of digital media, Kindle and audiobooks can encourage reading, especially for children who are keen listeners as well as those with ADHD or learning disabilities.
“For children who love listening to stories, audiobooks can be a fantastic catalyst as well as help a child rest their eyes,” says Biswas.
One disadvantage is that audiobooks are passive and not much help when it comes to identifying words, thus affecting a child’s reading ability, cautions Bhandari.
Pick your battles
In a family of enthusiastic readers, there may be one child who prefers to dance, sketch, paint or play instead of reading. Therefore, while parents can patiently explore creative options to encourage engagement, some may also need to accept reluctant children will never become voracious readers, adds Rao.
“Some kids will never love reading, so don’t force them,” says Rao. “There are so many more things to do. They might gravitate to books later in life or they may never warm to books, and that’s OK, too.” Accepting your child's preferences and understanding that not liking books doesn’t make them lesser than their peers who love reading, is essential, she adds.
RESULTS
Dubai Kahayla Classic – Group 1 (PA) $750,000 (Dirt) 2,000m
Winner: Deryan, Ioritz Mendizabal (jockey), Didier Guillemin (trainer).
Godolphin Mile – Group 2 (TB) $750,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Secret Ambition, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar
Dubai Gold Cup – Group 2 (TB) $750,000 (Turf) 3,200m
Winner: Subjectivist, Joe Fanning, Mark Johnston
Al Quoz Sprint – Group 1 (TB) $1million (T) 1,200m
Winner: Extravagant Kid, Ryan Moore, Brendan Walsh
UAE Derby – Group 2 (TB) $750,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner: Rebel’s Romance, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
Dubai Golden Shaheen – Group 1 (TB) $1.5million (D) 1,200m
Winner: Zenden, Antonio Fresu, Carlos David
Dubai Turf – Group 1 (TB) $4million (T) 1,800m
Winner: Lord North, Frankie Dettori, John Gosden
Dubai Sheema Classic – Group 1 (TB) $5million (T) 2,410m
Winner: Mishriff, John Egan, John Gosden
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
The biog
Age: 46
Number of Children: Four
Hobby: Reading history books
Loves: Sports
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
Defence review at a glance
• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.
• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels
ABU%20DHABI'S%20KEY%20TOURISM%20GOALS%3A%20BY%20THE%20NUMBERS
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Can NRIs vote in the election?
Indians residing overseas cannot cast their ballot abroad
Non-resident Indians or NRIs can vote only by going to a polling booth in their home constituency
There are about 3.1 million NRIs living overseas
Indians have urged political parties to extend the right to vote to citizens residing overseas
A committee of the Election Commission of India approved of proxy voting for non-resident Indians
Proxy voting means that a person can authorise someone residing in the same polling booth area to cast a vote on his behalf.
This option is currently available for the armed forces, police and government officials posted outside India
A bill was passed in the lower house of India’s parliament or the Lok Sabha to extend proxy voting to non-resident Indians
However, this did not come before the upper house or Rajya Sabha and has lapsed
The issue of NRI voting draws a huge amount of interest in India and overseas
Over the past few months, Indians have received messages on mobile phones and on social media claiming that NRIs can cast their votes online
The Election Commission of India then clarified that NRIs could not vote online
The Election Commission lodged a complaint with the Delhi Police asking it to clamp down on the people spreading misinformation
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Results:
6.30pm: Maiden Dh165,000 2,000m - Winner: Powderhouse, Sam Hitchcott (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap Dh165,000 2,200m - Winner: Heraldic, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
7.40pm: Conditions Dh240,000 1,600m - Winner: Walking Thunder, Connor Beasley, Ahmed bin Harmash
8.15pm: Handicap Dh190,000 2,000m - Winner: Key Bid, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
8.50pm: The Garhoud Sprint Listed Dh265,000 1,200m - Winner: Drafted, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson
9.25pm: Handicap Dh170,000 1,600m - Winner: Cachao, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar
10pm: Handicap Dh190,000 1,400m - Winner: Rodaini, Connor Beasley, Ahmed bin Harmash
THE LOWDOWN
Photograph
Rating: 4/5
Produced by: Poetic License Motion Pictures; RSVP Movies
Director: Ritesh Batra
Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sanya Malhotra, Farrukh Jaffar, Deepak Chauhan, Vijay Raaz
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Bio:
Favourite Quote: Prophet Mohammad's quotes There is reward for kindness to every living thing and A good man treats women with honour
Favourite Hobby: Serving poor people
Favourite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite food: Fish and vegetables
Favourite place to visit: London
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
The biog
Name: Mariam Ketait
Emirate: Dubai
Hobbies: I enjoy travelling, experiencing new things, painting, reading, flying, and the French language
Favourite quote: "Be the change you wish to see" - unknown
Favourite activity: Connecting with different cultures
Pieces of Her
Stars: Toni Collette, Bella Heathcote, David Wenham, Omari Hardwick
Director: Minkie Spiro
Rating:2/5
How to join and use Abu Dhabi’s public libraries
• There are six libraries in Abu Dhabi emirate run by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including one in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
• Libraries are free to visit and visitors can consult books, use online resources and study there. Most are open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, closed on Fridays and have variable hours on Saturdays, except for Qasr Al Watan which is open from 10am to 8pm every day.
• In order to borrow books, visitors must join the service by providing a passport photograph, Emirates ID and a refundable deposit of Dh400. Members can borrow five books for three weeks, all of which are renewable up to two times online.
• If users do not wish to pay the fee, they can still use the library’s electronic resources for free by simply registering on the website. Once registered, a username and password is provided, allowing remote access.
• For more information visit the library network's website.
Syria squad
Goalkeepers: Ibrahim Alma, Mahmoud Al Youssef, Ahmad Madania.
Defenders: Ahmad Al Salih, Moayad Ajan, Jehad Al Baour, Omar Midani, Amro Jenyat, Hussein Jwayed, Nadim Sabagh, Abdul Malek Anezan.
Midfielders: Mahmoud Al Mawas, Mohammed Osman, Osama Omari, Tamer Haj Mohamad, Ahmad Ashkar, Youssef Kalfa, Zaher Midani, Khaled Al Mobayed, Fahd Youssef.
Forwards: Omar Khribin, Omar Al Somah, Mardik Mardikian.
UAE Premiership
Results
Dubai Exiles 24-28 Jebel Ali Dragons
Abu Dhabi Harlequins 43-27 Dubai Hurricanes
Fixture
Friday, March 29, Abu Dhabi Harlequins v Jebel Ali Dragons, The Sevens, Dubai
Recent winners
2002 Giselle Khoury (Colombia)
2004 Nathalie Nasralla (France)
2005 Catherine Abboud (Oceania)
2007 Grace Bijjani (Mexico)
2008 Carina El-Keddissi (Brazil)
2009 Sara Mansour (Brazil)
2010 Daniella Rahme (Australia)
2011 Maria Farah (Canada)
2012 Cynthia Moukarzel (Kuwait)
2013 Layla Yarak (Australia)
2014 Lia Saad (UAE)
2015 Cynthia Farah (Australia)
2016 Yosmely Massaad (Venezuela)
2017 Dima Safi (Ivory Coast)
2018 Rachel Younan (Australia)
Profile of Bitex UAE
Date of launch: November 2018
Founder: Monark Modi
Based: Business Bay, Dubai
Sector: Financial services
Size: Eight employees
Investors: Self-funded to date with $1m of personal savings
Three ways to boost your credit score
Marwan Lutfi says the core fundamentals that drive better payment behaviour and can improve your credit score are:
1. Make sure you make your payments on time;
2. Limit the number of products you borrow on: the more loans and credit cards you have, the more it will affect your credit score;
3. Don't max out all your debts: how much you maximise those credit facilities will have an impact. If you have five credit cards and utilise 90 per cent of that credit, it will negatively affect your score.
THE SPECS
BMW X7 xDrive 50i
Engine: 4.4-litre V8
Transmission: Eight-speed Steptronic transmission
Power: 462hp
Torque: 650Nm
Price: Dh600,000
The design
The protective shell is covered in solar panels to make use of light and produce energy. This will drastically reduce energy loss.
More than 80 per cent of the energy consumed by the French pavilion will be produced by the sun.
The architecture will control light sources to provide a highly insulated and airtight building.
The forecourt is protected from the sun and the plants will refresh the inner spaces.
A micro water treatment plant will recycle used water to supply the irrigation for the plants and to flush the toilets. This will reduce the pavilion’s need for fresh water by 30 per cent.
Energy-saving equipment will be used for all lighting and projections.
Beyond its use for the expo, the pavilion will be easy to dismantle and reuse the material.
Some elements of the metal frame can be prefabricated in a factory.
From architects to sound technicians and construction companies, a group of experts from 10 companies have created the pavilion.
Work will begin in May; the first stone will be laid in Dubai in the second quarter of 2019.
Construction of the pavilion will take 17 months from May 2019 to September 2020.
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 48V hybrid
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 325bhp
Torque: 450Nm
Price: Dh289,000
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
'Cheb%20Khaled'
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