The issue of literacy is so interesting to discuss. Unequal access to books, The library is far away and in the city center, and the low suitability of books to readers' needs are some of the causes of the low level of interest in reading in remote areas.
“The problems that exist today, assessment 2021 shows that Indonesia is still experiencing a literacy emergency. 1 from 2 students have not reached the minimum literacy competency,” holds Chatarina Trihastuti, Director of ProVisi at the TPN X collaboration class on Wednesday (11/10) Then.
Literacy is one of the main pillars of ProVisi. Partner with various stakeholders, ProVisi is present as a collaborator of the Ministry of Education and Culture to provide technical expertise and recommendations in improving the quality and access to books in order to foster reading habits among children in Indonesia.
ProVisi's contribution in 3 pillar program, ie:
- Book Selection and Ranking
- Book Printing and Distribution
- Training
On the class titled Quality Reading Books for Indonesian Children This, Rina, Chatarina's nickname, share information about quality reading books, recommendations for accessing books, to training information for teachers, parent, as well as various parties interested in literacy issues.
He conveyed the important role of quality books in influencing the book system. He stated that books can foster children's interest in reading.
“There are no children who don't like reading books, what happens is that children have not found the right reading books,” he said.
Characteristics of Quality Children's Reading Books
Rina conveyed several characteristics of a quality book based on the results focus group discussion with preschool and elementary school level children.
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Books that children want to read
Books that children really want to read and not what adults want are quality books. Children generally choose books because of their attractive colors, illustrations or characters in books, as well as stories that are close to children's experiences.
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Not limited to a particular genre
Quality books consist of various genres, can accommodate children's needs, as well as fulfilling various roles as a window, sliding door, and mirrors.
“The important role of the book is strengthened by the opinion of Rudine Sims Bishop, namely books as windows, namely children see new experiences, Sliding doors mean children can explore new worlds, and a mirror so that children can reflect their life experiences," explained Rina.
Appropriate reading level
Quality books are available for all reading levels. Providing leveled books is very important, because the needs and abilities of each child are diverse.
“Children have different reading abilities even though they are at the same grade level,said Rina.
Teacher: Has an Important Role in Quality Children's Reading Books
Apart from awareness about the important role of quality books, training for teachers is also very important and needs to be highlighted. Rina presented the results of research regarding the impact of training accompanied by quality reading books.
“Training accompanied by reading books increases students' literacy scores by as much as possible 8% on reading ability and 9% on listening ability,said Rina.
Currently there are many platforms that provide access to quality books such as SIBI, Budi, Pibo, Literacy Cloud, Let’s Read, My Book, and Enuma School.
"Providing quality reading books for children will grow the book ecosystem, interest in reading grows, literacy skills grow hand in hand. Let's spread the joy of reading anywhere and anytime,” concluded Rina.
Writer: Monica Rini Widiastuti
Editor: Yosinta Maharani Here
