Mother challenges daughter's holiday reading lists from school: 'It doesn't feel right to buy 10-15 new books'
One mother calls attention to the way holiday reading is handled, arguing that the book list should not turn a time meant for students to relax into a continuation of the school year.
The woman calls for a rethinking of how holiday reading is presented. PHOTO Shutterstock
In a manifesto published in the “Opinions” section of the La Tabla platform, the mother of a 6th grade student says that although she encourages her child to read, she does not agree with the excessive pressure placed on students.
“I don't think that summer vacation should be turned into an extension of the school year. Children need free time, play, outings with friends, creative boredom and real experiences. At the same time, I also don't think that three months without opening a book is the best solutione“it states.
“I read because I have to”
The woman emphasizes that the problem is not the existence of reading recommendations, but the way in which they are imposed.
When reading becomes mandatory and accompanied by bureaucratic requirements such as summaries and verifications, “children no longer read for pleasure, they read because they have to”, consider the woman
However, the father recognizes the importance of reading in a time dominated by technology and fast content: “reading remains important, because it develops imagination and patience”.
The proposed solution is a balanced one: indicative lists, more freedom of choice and focus on the child's interest.
“I find it more valuable for a student to read two books that really captivate him, than ten which he immediately forgets”says the woman.
“Less obligations and more curiosity”
The student's mother also draws attention to the costs of purchasing books.
“I don't even think it's fair to buy 10-15 new titles on someone's order“, she says, suggesting that the system should also take this into account.
The message ends with a call to teachers to rethink the way holiday reading is presented: “Maybe less obligation and more curiosity. We'll all benefit.”
