From a young age, my passion for English literature ignited a fire within me. The power of words and stories fascinated me, compelling me to delve deeper into the world of books. English has always been my favourite subject, and my passion for reading led me to pursue a Master’s degree in English Literature. And boy, was it worth it! I was over the moon when I received a gold medal for being the topper in my MA program.

As an avid reader, I have experienced first-hand the transformative power of books and their impact on communication skills. As I grew older, my love for literature continued to blossom, ultimately leading me to choose teaching as a career path. I realized that by becoming an English teacher, I could channel my enthusiasm for literature to benefit children’s understanding and enhance their English reading and communication skills. In this blog post, I want to share my journey and the importance of instilling a love for English literature in students and guiding them toward personal and academic growth.

Exploring New Worlds Through Reading:

From my early school days, I have cherished the escapism and exploration that reading offers. It has been my way of delving into new worlds and expanding my horizons. Reading has not only enriched my imagination but also enhanced my communication skills, making me a more confident speaker and writer. The joy I found in books inspired me to read more. I still remember I used to scour my school library for good books to read. I even remember visiting the British Academy library with my sister while she was doing her Ph.D. I spent hours there, reading books that were not easily available in the market. I even read Vikram Seth’s The Golden Gates, which was way above my level at the time, but I loved it nonetheless!

Evolution of Reading Resources:

Over the years, the landscape of English reading has evolved significantly, opening up new possibilities for students. In the past, I have fond memories of relying mainly on my school library to access books and expand my literary horizons. However, with the advancement of technology, children now have access to a wide range of facilities that have transformed the way they engage with English reading. Online platforms, e-books, audiobooks, and interactive reading tools have revolutionized the reading experience, making it more accessible, interactive, and engaging. This evolution in English reading has not only expanded the literary choices available to students but has also enhanced their comprehension skills and fostered a deeper appreciation for the written word. It’s an exciting time to be an English teacher, as we can leverage these technological advancements to inspire and empower our students on their journey to becoming lifelong readers.

The Quest for Innovative Tools

As a dedicated teacher, I am always on the lookout for innovative tools and activities that can enhance my student’s reading skills and instill a lifelong love for literature. In a world brimming with gadgets and distractions, nurturing a reading habit in students has become even more crucial. I believe that selecting the right tools and resources tailored to the appropriate age group can captivate students’ interest and ignite their enthusiasm for reading. Understanding this, I embarked on intensive research to discover effective strategies and techniques that would help me develop a reading habit in my students. Through this research, I explored various reading programs, interactive platforms, and creative approaches to engage students and create an environment that fosters a genuine love for reading.

Bridging the reading gap and empowering students to excel

In the aftermath of the pandemic, teachers like myself have been confronted with the formidable task of bridging the reading gap that emerged among our students during extended periods of remote learning. Acknowledging the significance of addressing this challenge, my school has taken proactive measures by providing comprehensive training and workshops, equipping us with effective strategies to support our student’s reading development. It was during one such enlightening workshop that I was introduced to a remarkable Reading Progress program by Microsoft that immediately struck a chord with me. Fueled by curiosity and recognizing its potential to enhance my students’ reading abilities, I embarked on an intensive research journey to delve deeper into the program and explore ways to seamlessly integrate it into my teaching practice.

Harnessing a Tool to Bridge the Gap and Ignite a Passion for English:

Realizing the tremendous potential of the Reading Progress tool by Microsoft to bridge the gap in my students’ reading abilities, I became determined to explore its capabilities further. With the knowledge that this tool could significantly assist my students in their reading journey, I embarked on intensive research and dedicated ample time to find ways to seamlessly incorporate it into my lessons. I understood that reading is not only a fundamental skill but also a pathway to building confidence and fostering a deep interest in the subject. By harnessing the power of this tool, I aim to provide my students with the necessary support and resources that will enable them to excel in their reading skills, thereby igniting their passion for English and opening doors to a world of knowledge and self-discovery.

Igniting a Reading Revolution: Overcoming Challenges and Inspiring Students

As a teacher, introducing a new tool to enhance my students’ reading skills initially presented its challenges. Convincing them to embrace the Microsoft Reading Progress tool required careful planning and a deep understanding of their interests and preferences. To engage their attention, I invested time in researching and curating a collection of fascinating and age-appropriate reading materials. Slowly but steadily, my students began to explore these captivating resources and immerse themselves in the joy of reading. Now, they eagerly await each reading task assigned to them, excited to delve into new stories and ideas. It has only been a short while since we started using this tool, yet the progress I have witnessed in their reading abilities is remarkable. The tool has successfully captivated their interest, fostering a love for reading that continues to grow with every assignment.

Nurturing a Lifelong Love for Literature

Result of the First Week of Assignment-

Result of the Third Week of Assignment-

As a passionate English teacher, witnessing my students excel in the reading tasks assigned to them brings me immense contentment. Seeing their growth and progress, their enthusiasm and love for reading fill me with a deep sense of fulfillment. It reinforces my belief in the power of innovative tools and dedicated teaching practices to ignite a lifelong passion for literature. Knowing that I have played a part in shaping their reading abilities and fostering their confidence as readers is truly gratifying. I am committed to continuing this journey of empowering my students and guiding them toward a future where the written word is not only a means of communication but also a source of joy and inspiration. With their continued success, I am inspired to further explore and embrace new avenues for enhancing their reading skills, ensuring that their journey toward becoming accomplished readers continues to flourish.

Nida Ahmed
Department of English