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| Childhood, the World of Imagination in Books | | | Dr. Vijay Garg
Childhood is that pleasant period of human life where new light, a new color and a new flight are hidden in everything.At this age the child’s thinking is as soft as dirt which takes on the form it has been woven into.The stories heard during childhood, books read and dreams seen affect the thoughts, wishes and ironies of a man’s whole life.Books are not just paper cleaners, they are windows to open up the mind of a child.Through these the child enters a new world—a world where imagination knows no bounds.
Today’s child is surrounded by mobile, television and digital screens.Animation, short videos and instant entertainment have made a big place in his world.But the importance of books has not diminished in this technological glitz.Books still deepen human thinking today.The screen only shows the picture to the child, but the book creates the image in his mind.When the child reads the story he himself creates the enormity of characters faces, mountains colors, forest sounds and sky.This is the real power of imagination.
Imagination is the root of human progress.Which man can imagine, he can also make new discoveries.There is a childhood hidden within every scientist, poet, writer and artist who has ever dreamed while reading books.Many children had dreams of introspective travel by reading Jules Verne’s stories.Pankartantra, Akbar-Birbal, Tenali Ram and folk tales gave children an understanding of siyap, humor and life.Stories do not only entertain, they awaken humanity inside humans.
The relationship between childhood and books is very sacred.When the mother tells a child a story at night, he is not just hearing words, he is entering into a world of love, security and imagination. Grandparents folk stories connect children with their culture. Through these stories the child gets to know good men.The heroes of the stories inspire children towards courage, honesty and truth.
Reading habit focuses the child’s mind. Books build patience in children. Where screen shows everything immediately, the book gives a child time to think and understand. This is why kids who are fond of reading are often more deep in thoughts than others. Books facilitate children’s language, increase vocabulary and strengthen their ability to express ideas.
In today’s time in many homes books have been replaced by gadgets. Toys and mobiles on children birthday has grown, but the tradition of giving book gifts is decreasing.This is a matter of concern.If we just give kids screens they will get information,but flight of imagination might not be possible.Without imagination man becomes like machine.
Schools and libraries also have a great responsibility. In schools children should be connected with story books, biographies, scientific imaginations and children’s literature instead of being limited to textbooks. When the child reads different kinds of books his thinking scope increases. Libraries are temples where knowledge and imagination is silently spread out. If every village and every school had an active library there could be amazing change in kids” thinking.
The importance of children’s literature is also immense.Good child literature understands the mind of a child. It answers his curiosity and awakens in him the spirit of new discovery. Even in Punjabi child literature, many writers have written wonderful works for kids.People stories, poems and children novels connect children with their soil and culture. If the child reads in their own language then they connect more strongly to their roots.
Imagination is not just limited to stories.It also gives the child new direction in drawing, writing, music, science and games. The child who imagines asks questions. He who asks questions creates a new path.Therefore friendship with books in childhood is very important.
Parents should create a reading environment at home for children. If parents read the books themselves,the kids will also imitate them.Some time every day can be reserved for stories.Toddler books to young children and interesting novels,scientific books and biographies to older children.Books should be made as companions not punishment.
In the end it can be said that childhood, books and imagination are intimately linked to each other.Where there are books, ideas are born.Where imagination is made, new worlds are created.And where childhood gets a companion of books, the future becomes brighter.We should also give children not only mobile phones, but books as well, because books are what teach childhood to fly in the sky of fantasy.
Dr. Vijay Garg Retired Principal Educational Columnist Malout Punjab |
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