Fostering Literacy: Developing Autonomous Thinkers Through Reading

Reading is important for the creation of autonomous thinkers.

The Importance of Reading for Autonomous Thinkers

Why Read? Defining the Act of Reading

Reading is the action through which we distinguish, interpret, and understand a message conveyed figuratively through graphic signs. It encompasses interpreting painting, reading pictures, musical scores, and more.

It is a complex individual and social activity that simultaneously utilizes five different and complementary mental processes:

• Neurological/Physical: The physical act of processing text.
• Cognitive: Intelligence and understanding.
• Emotional: Empathy and feeling.
• Argumentative: Justice, reason, and sense.
• Cultural: Influences derived from society.

Reading is important because it actively engages all these aspects of human beings.

Understanding Representation and Comprehension

To start reading, one learns from practice; it requires time, effort, a book, and an adult.

Comprehension involves several stages:

• Recognition: Knowing or understanding the name of the drawing or symbol.
• Identification (Emotional Intelligence): Knowing what is happening internally and recognizing if the character in the drawing is happy, sad, etc.
• Imagination (Projective Intelligence): Sensing events that are not explicitly present in the illustration.

The mechanics of reading are based on the reflection of anticipation and the reflection of simplification.

Cultivating Reading Habits in Children

Key Considerations for Young Readers

Reading is one of the most comprehensive brain activities. We must lead by example, but remember that children have the right not to read, so parents should avoid becoming obsessed.

Creating a Supportive Reading Environment

A supportive environment involves several key areas:

• Family Living Environment at Home: There must be books, newspapers, and comics available. Readings should be done jointly and separately, and families should talk about the books they read.
• Personal Library: The child should be encouraged to create their own library, must be able to choose the book they want to read, and the books should be kept in an accessible place.
• In Bed: Read to our children for a little while each day (e.g., 10 minutes).
• The Time of the Story: Telling stories is an excellent way to start children reading.

Reading Opportunities in Daily Life

Reading opportunities exist everywhere:

• In the Car: Listen to a CD of stories, start a conversation around the latest book, tell legends, or read a map.
• On the Street: When school starts the process of learning literacy, children on the street try to recognize signs and posters. Parents must motivate this recognition.
• The Public Library: Go with our children, let them choose and buy books.

  Guidelines for library visits:

  • Observe if there is a children's section.
  • Look at the furniture or decor.
  • See if they display different books and stories.
  • Ask for help from a bookseller or librarian.
• In the Museum, Theater, or Cultural Center: These are places to find fine books, although the space may not be specifically designed for reading.
• In the Mountains: Books are great travel companions.
• The School Library: (This resource is also vital.)

Effective Approaches to Choosing Quality Books

Tips for Selecting Engaging Literature

Tips:

• Read reviews from major newspapers.
• Visit libraries or bookstores.
• Take into account the interests of the child and their age.
• Consider basic typology and the author.

Key Criteria for Selecting Engaging Literature

Criteria:

• The author must know how to use resources effectively to attract the reader's attention.
• The book should encourage the development of a critical reader.
• The content should be original and bring something new.