July 2025 Issue
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Here is our latest edition for your information.
Editor’s Note:
Dear Reader,
There’s something timeless about the simple act of picking up a book and losing oneself in its pages. In the midst of our fast-paced, hyper-connected world, reading offers a much-needed pause—a chance to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with ourselves and the world around us.
This month, we turn our attention to the enduring power of reading. Not as a task to be ticked off a list or a skill confined to the classroom, but as a lifelong habit that shapes how we think, feel, and relate to others. A love of reading, when nurtured early and sustained with care, becomes one of the most meaningful gifts we can offer a child.
Whether cultivated within the structure of a school or nurtured through warm moments at home, a reading culture is something that must be intentionally built. It thrives on consistency, access, choice, and above all, joy. It demands that we see reading not just as an academic requirement, but as a powerful tool for wholistic development, enriching the mind, strengthening emotional intelligence, and fostering creativity, empathy, and connection.
We hope this issue encourages you to reflect on how we, as educators, parents, and communities, can come together to make reading an integral part of our children’s lives, not just for today, but for the future they are growing into.
Reading Together: Parents’ Best Gift to a Child
by Sangeeta Doraiswami
Starting the habit of reading to your children is one of the most significant and enduring gifts parents can give. Reading does far more than improve literacy; it lays the foundation for a child's wholistic development. Beyond advocating for reading as a beneficial activity, it is essential to emphasise the importance of consistency. The goal is not just to read, but to read regularly and to make it a treasured habit, rather than a mere task.
Reading aloud to children opens up a vast and exciting world of knowledge and imagination. It sharpens literacy and communication skills while also expanding their minds to new perspectives and experiences. Children are offered a safe space to explore ideas in the comfort of their home. Sharing this time together also strengthens the parent-child bond. At its core, reading together is about more than the words on the page; it’s about showing children that parents value their growth and are committed to dedicating time to their learning. It’s an expression of care, love, and attention.
Building a Reading Culture: Strategies for Schools and Classrooms
by Sunaina Narang
In today’s digital age, cultivating a strong reading culture within schools has never been more important. With screens vying for attention and quick consumption of information becoming the norm, the sustained and reflective practice of reading can seem like a dwindling habit. Yet, reading remains one of the most powerful tools for learning, personal growth, and connection with others. A robust reading culture not only improves literacy and academic outcomes but also nurtures empathy, creativity, and a sense of identity. The task before schools is not merely to teach reading, but to inspire a genuine love for it—one that can flourish well beyond the classroom.
Building a reading culture, however, requires more than occasional book weeks or a well-stocked library. It involves an intentional, school-wide commitment to embedding reading in the very fabric of everyday life. This article explores some of the key strategies that can help schools and classrooms foster such a culture.
‘It’s so boring’: gen Z parents don’t like reading to their kids – and educators are worried
by Alaina Demopoulos
Courtesy: The Guardian
Screen time has increasingly replaced story time, and experts warn this could lead to children falling behind
Last week, former elementary school teacher Spencer Russell posed a question to parents who follow his Instagram account, Toddlers Can Read: “Why aren’t you reading aloud to your kids?”
The responses, which Russell shared with the Guardian, ranged from embarrassed to annoyed to angry. “It’s so boring,” said one parent. “I don’t have time,” said another. One mother wrote in: “I don’t enjoy reading myself.”
Others reported difficulty getting their children to sit still long enough for a full dose of Goodnight Moon or Mother Goose: “He’s always interrupting,” or “my son just wants to skip all the pages.” They noted the monotony of story time, with one saying: “I love reading with my kids, but they request the same book over and over.” Keep reading
Upcoming Events
Talk: Ayurveda to Integrative Health: A Holistic Path to Well-Being
Join us for an inspiring evening with Dr Issac Mathai, a world-renowned holistic physician with over four decades of experience. As the Founder and Medical Director of SOUKYA International Holistic Health Centre in Bangalore—globally acclaimed for its integrative approach—Dr Mathai has cared for patients from over 120 countries, including world leaders and wellness seekers. In this session, he will share practical insights and fresh perspectives on integrative healthcare in today’s world—offering guidance for anyone seeking balance, whether you’re a health professional, a wellness enthusiast, or simply looking to enhance your well-being.
The talk will be held on Wednesday, 9 July 2025, at 6:30 PM, both online and in person at Seminar Halls 1 & 2, Kamaladevi Complex, India International Centre, Max Mueller Marg, New Delhi. Registration is required for all participants—whether attending online or in person. The online joining link will be shared separately via email with those who opt for virtual attendance.
Past Events
Webinar: Adolescence & Technology: Growing Up in the Digital Age
Click here to read and access the webinar video.
Webinar: Reading in the Digital Age: Nurturing Readers in a Tech-Driven World. Click here to read the report. Watch the webinar.
Webinar: Enabling Environment: Integrating Technology, Inclusion, and Community. Click here to read the report and watch the recorded video.
Philosopher’s Retreat 2024: Navigating Human Connection and Development in the Age of Technology. To read the full report Click here.
New Online Courses
Prompt Engineering for Educators: AI-Powered Teaching equips educators with practical strategies to effectively use artificial intelligence (AI) tools—such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Meta AI—by mastering the skill of prompt engineering. Participants will learn how to craft precise and purposeful prompts to enhance their teaching practices, streamline lesson planning, create personalised learning experiences, and foster creativity in the classroom.
Developing a Reading Habit supports students aged 15 and above in cultivating a consistent and enjoyable reading habit. Through six interactive modules, it introduces techniques to select engaging books, overcome common reading challenges, and build a daily reading routine. Students explore a range of reading materials and strategies to strengthen comprehension and retention, ultimately fostering a lifelong love of reading.
For more such online courses, click here.
Services
Pallavan School, Jhalawar
PLS conducted an online session titled "The Joy of Reading" for the English and language teachers of Pallavan School, Jhalawar, on June 28th. The session focused on students in Grades 7 to 12 and addressed the decline in reading habits among children due to their preference for digital entertainment and visual stimulation. It provided a range of strategies for educators to foster a love for reading among their learners.
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