Singapore – Struggling to get your kids interested in books? The real challenge lies in encouraging them to read in their mother tongue. While many parents face this uphill battle, hope may be just a story away.

Dr. Tan Ee Ling, who leads the Chinese online bookstore Shiawase Books, shares her own family experiences. With two daughters aged 10 and 12 who often roll their eyes at the mention of Chinese literature, Dr. Tan remains optimistic. “It’s all about finding the right story that resonates with them,” she affirms.

To tackle this issue, Dr. Tan joined forces with five fellow booksellers, specializing in various linguistic backgrounds—Chinese, Malay, and Tamil—to offer parents effective strategies to ignite a love for reading among their children.

Understanding Your Child’s Interests

Maha Yu Yi's Ms. Sung Yuen Ling emphasizes the importance of selecting books that align with a child's interests and reading level. With an array of over 1,000 children’s books—from inspiring biographies to whimsical tales—parents can easily find something that will grab their child's attention. If your child loves characters from popular series like "Dog Man" or "Harry Potter," introducing them to the Chinese versions could bridge the gap.

To bring stories to life, Maha Yu Yi hosts monthly storytelling sessions, allowing young readers to connect with the narrative beyond the printed page.

Making Learning Fun: Tamilwithlove’s Interactive Approach

Mr. Sounthirarajan, whose family runs Tamilwithlove, emphasizes the need for interactive and engaging methods. He and his wife initially faced hurdles when trying to instill Tamil language skills in their children. To remedy this, they founded a store that provides Tamil educational resources, including games and reading materials.

Utilizing playful tactics like educational games can transform language acquisition into an enjoyable experience, especially for children who may feel intimidated by their mother tongue.

Diverse Reading Choices Matter

Dr. Tan believes that exposing kids to diverse book selections is essential. She has curated a collection of leisure reads in Chinese that appeal to children, particularly those approaching upper primary and secondary school levels. Her goal is to ensure that children grow up appreciating both English and Chinese literature equally.

Engage with Fun Activities and Festivals

Mr. Syed Ali Semait from Pustaka Nasional advises parents to take advantage of storytelling sessions, book fairs, and other related activities. Regular discussions about the reading material encourage critical thinking and keep children engaged.

Role Modeling: Reading Together

Madam Jiang Meiru, founder of Flip For Joy, firmly asserts that children are more inclined to pick up reading if they see their parents engaged in it. She encourages families to create reading rituals, ensuring that books are easily accessible and attractively displayed.

Local Content Sparks Connection

Books by local authors can create a bond with children. Ms. Lydia Cheriyan of Mini Monsters highlights the importance of relatable storylines that resonate with the everyday lives of young readers. Mini Monsters is dedicated to enriching Malay language education with books that cultivate local pride.

In a multicultural city like Singapore, integrating mother tongue literature into children's lives is crucial for ensuring they do not lose valuable language skills. By utilizing various strategies—knowing their interests, making learning interactive, engaging them with local stories, and leading by example—parents can foster a flourishing reading culture at home.

Encourage your children to embark on a magical journey through the pages of their heritage, paving the way for a future where they embrace and cherish their mother tongue!