Talking with Ana- Elba-Pavon
Ana- Elba-Pavon is a Salvadoran Librarian, she works in Oakland, CA.
TDP: Why is important to have children read?
EP: It is important for children to use all their muscles to grow. The mind needs stimulation and one way of getting it to grow is through reading. Reading is the foundation to a child's education and that is why it is important for children to practice reading.
TDP: There are several techniques to make children become interested in reading, can you talk about that?
EP: Those around the child should model reading. They should also read together. They can read aloud together or read individually at the same time. Parents can stimulate children by asking questions about what they are reading. Reading can take children everywhere in a child's imagination. Parents should find out what interests their child and find books on that topic.
TDP: Are these reading tools universal? can they be used in El Salvador?
EP: Of course. You only need reading materials.
TDP: If a family has never practiced a reading habit, what can they do to develop one?
EP: Start by reading 20 minutes a day, every day, and preferably at the same time so that reading becomes a habit.
TDP: What happens when there are not many libraries or books available as in El Salvador, do you believe that having people volunteering to do storytelling will have the same effect as a reading book?
EP: The stories in books are the same as those that are told through storytelling except that they are written. The effect may be different without seeing the written word but storytelling and reading have similar benefits.
TDP: What can you tell Salvadoran Children and youth so they will become more interested in reading?
EP: If you are interested in learning and having fun, read. It will exercise your mind and make you smarter!
TDP: Why is important to have children read?
EP: It is important for children to use all their muscles to grow. The mind needs stimulation and one way of getting it to grow is through reading. Reading is the foundation to a child's education and that is why it is important for children to practice reading.
TDP: There are several techniques to make children become interested in reading, can you talk about that?
EP: Those around the child should model reading. They should also read together. They can read aloud together or read individually at the same time. Parents can stimulate children by asking questions about what they are reading. Reading can take children everywhere in a child's imagination. Parents should find out what interests their child and find books on that topic.
TDP: Are these reading tools universal? can they be used in El Salvador?
EP: Of course. You only need reading materials.
TDP: If a family has never practiced a reading habit, what can they do to develop one?
EP: Start by reading 20 minutes a day, every day, and preferably at the same time so that reading becomes a habit.
TDP: What happens when there are not many libraries or books available as in El Salvador, do you believe that having people volunteering to do storytelling will have the same effect as a reading book?
EP: The stories in books are the same as those that are told through storytelling except that they are written. The effect may be different without seeing the written word but storytelling and reading have similar benefits.
TDP: What can you tell Salvadoran Children and youth so they will become more interested in reading?
EP: If you are interested in learning and having fun, read. It will exercise your mind and make you smarter!