CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS GRADED READERS

Supplementary Reading for Schools

CHILDREN AND READING

English plays a vital role in this age of heightened information and communication. Learners read not only print materials but also from electronic files on the Internet. They read for pleasure as well as for academic purposes. Readers assimilate new information and apply it to contexts they are familiar with and turn it into personal knowledge. The more they read, the more knowledgeable they become. They also become linguistically more competent.

 Why should children read extensively?

1. Reading contributes to the development of listening, speaking and writing skills.

A child who reads extensively is usually a good listener, and a good communicator both in speech and writing.

2. Reading is essential to study the other subjects through English. Because of the increasing importance of English in the modern world, more and more schools are beginning to offer classroom instruction in all subjects through the medium of English. This calls for the ability to read and understand texts on all the subjects in the school curriculum in English.

3. English opens a window to the world of opportunities. Plenty of information targeted at learners at different levels is now available in printed books and on the Internet. In order to gather relevant information, a learner essentially requires efficient reading skills.

4. English is essential for our day-to-day survival. English is the language of operation for most practical purposes in the business world. The product descriptions and user manuals that come with games, gadgets, electronic equipment etc are usually in English. Increasingly, more and more signs, posters and hoardings appear in English. In order to be able to benefit from them, children ought to be able to read and understand them.

What should children read?

Children differ in their food habits. Some like it sweet, some like it sour, some like it hot and sour, and some like it spicy. Similarly children like different kinds of reading materials.

It is important for children to get what they like. Then they eat or read with pleasure. Therefore, it is essential that they have the freedom to choose what they want to eat or read. The reading materials available should therefore offer a wide variety for children to choose from.

What reading materials interest children?

Children like to read books that
• have interesting content
• depict events within their realms of experience
• widen their horizons of knowledge
• promote creativity thinking and problem solving skills
• allow them to fantasize
• have attractive layout and illustrations
• are short enough to be read in a short time

What does Cambridge University Press offer to children?

A wide variety of reading materials for children of different age groups catering to varied tastes and interests.

1. Cambridge Bright Sparks

2. Cambridge Reading

3. Cambridge English Readers

4. New Windmills Series

5. Nelson International Comprehension