Critically analyse the strength and limitations of any two methods through which 'reading' can be developed as skill among children
Answers
Two methods which can be adopted to develop reading skills among children are:
Direct method
In this the child is asked to read repeatedly. He reads the text again and again till he is able to read it in a fluent manner. He can read something which he likes and is familiar with. The teacher can set a reachable goal for example 85 words per minute. The students can be divided into pairs of readers who respond to each other. They can read in turns and evaluate each other's speed and fluency.
Advantage - It encourages active participation. The students can learn to read aloud fluently.
Disadvantage - It may become boring to read the same text. It may not teach them new words as it is restricted to a certain piece.
Indirect method
In this all the students are asked to choose their favourite books or magazines and read for a fixed time every day. They share their reactions to books with their classmates in peer discussion groups. This enables them to develop positive attitudes towards reading.
Advantage - It gives the student a chance to discover the pleasure of reading.
Disadvantage - It may not be possible for all the students to attain the same level of fluency.