Screens are constantly fighting for our attention, and the worst (or the best) part is that we’re also giving our attention. The simple joy of reading is fading into the background—especially in India. And it’s not just a matter of preference. It’s a crisis that’s quietly unfolding. A recent ASER (Annual Status of Education Report) survey found that a worrying percentage of students in rural India struggle to read basic text that is meant for students two grades below their level.
But the problem is—this isn’t just a rural issue. Urban classrooms are also seeing a drop in reading comprehension, vocabulary retention, and overall literacy. While this is a big issue, the bigger issue is: Are we ready to tackle this? And if not, what can we do about it? Let us better understand what this is in this blog.
The Changing Face of Reading
Reading isn’t what it used to be. Earlier, kids would sit with storybooks, comics, or even the newspaper, soaking in information one page at a time. Today, they’re bombarded with reels, notifications, and auto-playing videos. The purpose served is the same – getting informed but the medium has changed. This shift in content consumption is rewiring attention spans—and reading is paying the price in that.
But it’s not just about books vs. screens. It’s about what reading develops: imagination, empathy, critical thinking, and the ability to concentrate for more than a few seconds at a time. Without these, we’re not just losing readers. We’re losing learners.
Why Reading Matters – Now More Than Ever
Reading isn’t just an academic skill. It’s a life skill.
- It boosts language development and communication.
- It improves focus and concentration, especially in early learners.
- It builds emotional intelligence, helping children understand perspectives beyond their own.
- It plays an important role in academic performance across all subjects—not just English.
If a student can’t read well, their ability to grasp concepts in subjects like Science, History, and even Math starts to falter.
The Root of the Problem
There isn’t a single culprit—it’s a mix of systemic gaps and lifestyle shifts:
- Overloaded curriculum with limited focus on reading for pleasure.
- Lack of access to quality reading materials in regional languages.
- Teacher training gaps when it comes to teaching reading effectively.
- Digital distractions are taking precedence over slow, immersive reading.
So, What Can We Do?
If we want to turn this around, we need a two-pronged approach: systemic change and conscious parenting/schooling.
1. Make Reading Fun Again
Schools and parents must prioritize reading for joy, not just marks. Organize storytime, introduce audiobooks, let children choose what they want to read—even if it’s a comic book.
2. Build Reader-Friendly Environments
Create cozy reading corners, digital libraries, and access to diverse books across genres and languages. Reading shouldn’t feel like a task—it should feel like a break from one.
3. Focus on Comprehension, Not Just Fluency
Reading fast doesn’t mean reading well. Schools must assess and encourage comprehension through discussions, storytelling, and open-ended questions.
4. Train Teachers to Be Reading Champions
Teachers can make or break a child’s relationship with books – investing in training educators to teach reading in engaging, interactive ways is key.
5. Embrace Tech (Smartly)
Apps like StoryWeaver and BookaBooka offer free, leveled reading content. Use technology to encourage reading instead of replacing it.
Signs of Progress
Despite the grim data, all hope is not lost. Several schools and educational institutions are waking up to the reading gap and addressing it head-on. They’re launching literacy clubs, reading marathons, storytelling sessions, and bilingual reading programs.
The change may be slow, but it’s happening.
And Here’s the Good News…
One such school leading this shift is Oasis International School in Bangalore. They’ve recognized that building strong reading skills is foundational—not optional. By integrating structured reading programs into their curriculum, hosting interactive book fairs, and investing in teacher training, they are actively nurturing a generation of readers who don’t just read—but think, reflect, and imagine.
Their approach is a reminder that reversing this decline isn’t impossible. It just needs a commitment to do things differently—and a willingness to prioritize literacy not just as an academic outcome but as a life skill. Let’s ask ourselves not just how we’re teaching children to read—but why we’re teaching them in the first place.
Because when we raise readers, we raise thinkers. And that’s exactly what the future needs.
