“Reading makes a full man.” This adage is rich in meaning. A full man pictures an individual who is adequately and appropriately informed, adjusted, happy and actively engaged in wholesome-selected activities in the various aspects of living that will bring forth individual and social satisfaction. Such conditions portrays that reading is basic in fostering the proper growth and development of the individual in relation to himself and to his society, there must be a tool or instrument that will carry on the effective continuity of a full life. This tool is reading.
Reading, therefore, is the most fundamental part of education. It opens the door to a number of opportunities for growth and development. Culture and civilization of nations and the world can be explored in volumes of printed materials. A glimpse into the past is mad possible through reading a variety of printed matter. Modern gadgets like the computer, internet, and websites are flooding the market, and have permeated practically all fields of endeavor. Local, national, and international news and events that affect life and our way of living come in handy through mass media.
How then can a pupil/student understand what is happening in the classroom and in his environment if he/she does not know how to read, and much more if he cannot understand what he reads? How can one follow instructions and directions if he cannot read? We are witnesses to various educational reforms to improve the educational system. The current curriculum which is the K to 12 can be one of the viable solutions. But the most effective way may be the simplest one. Teach everyone to read.
Improving the reading ability of pupils is a tedious and serious task that everyone should look into. Let us therefore encourage our learners to develop the passion for reading. Let us synergize our educational endeavors to make our learners “fast readers who can comprehend better.”
By: Essel E. Reyes Alasasin E/S, Alasasin, Mariveles, Bataan
