Minister of Education Ovid Tzeng (
The activity called "Reading is great fun," was organized under the auspices of the MDN, Taiwan's leading newspaper for children, to help get children into the habit of reading. This is one of the initiatives that has been promoted by the Ministry of Education (MOE) since Tzeng took office in May.
"Reading is a wonderful experience, which can greatly broaden one's views and stimulate different ways of thinking. It is also something that can bring parents and their children closer together," Tzeng said. "Because my mom is illiterate, when I was a child I used to take pleasure in reading to her.
PHOTO: GEORGE TSORNG, TAIPEI TIMES
"My mom used to be so envious of my knowledge. She did not have to force me to start reading," Tzeng said, responding to a question posed by a child who asked if Tzeng's mother had trouble getting to read.
Another child asked Tzeng how he could find the time to read now that he is so occupied with work.
"I have lots of books in my apartment. When I want to read something I just reach out a pick one. I especially enjoy reading before I go bed," Tzeng said, saying that reading habits need to be cultivated when a person is young.
Lin, who is also a celebrated writer of children's books, added that reading is a great way to increase the breadth of one's knowledge. "We should not read only to pass exams; it [reading] is a superb means to learn new things," he said.
Tzeng says the creativity of many students in Taiwan is tremendously hindered because of too much rote learning. Good reading habits can inspire innovation and enrich knowledge.
He also thinks that parents play a vital role in cultivating reading habits for children.
The MDN will publish a weekly book review of children's books starting from September.
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