Life

Helping kids discover the wonderful world of books

Suzanne McGonagle

Suzanne McGonagle

Suzanne has worked at the Irish News since 2004. Her particular areas of specialism are news and education.

Encouraging children to read will allow their imaginations to grow
Encouraging children to read will allow their imaginations to grow Encouraging children to read will allow their imaginations to grow

I CAN clearly remember the children's book that set my imagination on fire.

The BFG by Roald Dahl, the much-loved story of a big friendly giant who spirits a child out of bed to the land of the child-eating giants - it had me hooked.

Dahl's 'delightful, jumbled, squib-fangled' character creations, from the BFG to the heroine Sophie, and their 'whizzpopping' escapades had me eager to read more and more and more.

From then on, I became engrossed in reading. I was a bookworm - and proud of it.

I made my way through the entire Dahl collection, Enid Blyton's books, CS Lewis’ Narnia Chronicles and who could forget The Babysitters Club? The list was endless.

My love of reading continued through my teens, to university and to this day.

When I became a mum, I knew that reading with my own children had to be an important part of their childhood, part of how they would develop their communication and learning skills.

I recognised that parents who read to their children help them develop important reading skills as well as expanding their vocabulary and comprehension.

It's only as the years have gone on I've realised that not everyone has a favourite children's book - that one that sparked that reading fire.

When my 10-year-old son was small, he loved me reading to him with a book before bed becoming a prerequisite to sleep.

But with age comes change and his enjoyment of books began to diminish

While he was a competent reader, achieving all the targets in school, he would only do the minimum level for homework and would never have thought to spontaneously pick up a book at home.

Other things in life just seemed to get in the way, from football to video games and anything else he could conjure up, they all went higher up the pecking order than books.

There was just no spark there.

As a book lover, this was not easy for me to accept. There was just no reason for him not to become that bookworm I had been as a little child.

But the reality of life today is that many of our children just don't like to read.

While they may be proficient in tweeting, can easily defeat their wrestling opponent and name the entire Chelsea football squad in seconds, their eyes glaze over when they have to read a book.

For some, young children especially, reading can quite literally be a closed book.

Statistics show children are still leaving primary school unable to read well enough to succeed at secondary school.

With that in mind, I've spent a fortune in book shops, signed my son up to book clubs and spent countless hours taking him to the library in a bid to encourage that reading spark.

And the perseverance appears to have paid off - the fire has been lit.

After dozens of books he felt were mundane and lacking in excitement, my eldest boy's imagination was captured by comedian David Walliams.

His book, Billionaire Boy, a take on a classic rags-to-riches tale, saw him engrossed. And since then that fire has kept burning.

He now has a reading age level beyond his years, a strong desire to read more often and most importantly a love of books.

No matter what, a child deserves the opportunity to read, to read widely, and to read well.

Quite clearly, people with strong reading skills are more likely to succeed at school, achieve good grades and find a rewarding career.

Those who don't master reading in school might suffer the consequences for the rest of their lives, perhaps struggling to get good jobs or achieve their full potential.

Encouraging a habit that will grow their imaginations, broaden their perspectives and enrich their lives forever is vital.

My hope is that all my children learn to become lost in a story, fall in love with a character and allow the hours to melt away around them.

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Competition

The Merchant Hotel is gearing up for its big birthday party tonight, as Belfast’s only 5 Star Hotel celebrates a Decade of Decadence.

Since it’s opening on April 29 2006, the unparalleled service, gourmet food offering and first class facilities have seen the luxury hotel rack up more than 100 accolades, including their recent AA Five Red Star Rating, UK Hotel Awards Best UK Hotel and Tales of the Cocktail Spirit Awards World’s Best Cocktail Bar.

Guests have been able to indulge themselves and enjoy a lavish offering of luxury experiences throughout the ten days of decadent celebrations.

From gourmet food experiences, sampling Dom Perignon champagne and luxurious overnight stays, there has been something for everyone to enjoy at The Merchant Hotel.

For more information visit www.themerchanthotel.com

The mark the Merchant Hotel's 10 years in business, I am giving away a three course meal for two people, including tea or coffee, from the midweek menu (Monday to Thursday) at The Great Room Restaurant. The prize must be used in the next three months.

Simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com

Closing date for entries is Tuesday, May 3 at noon.

(Q) What date did the Merchant Hotel open in 2006?

Normal Irish News Rules Apply

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Competition winners

The winners of last week's Made in Liverpool tribute band tickets are Dominic McCullough from Belfast, Chris Shields from Lisburn, Sarah Morris from Saintfield and Gary McNiece from Newtownabbey.

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What's Hot!

Fund - Youth groups are being urged to apply for the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund, aiming to inspire and support young people across Ireland. Groups with project ideas that foster self-esteem, confidence, wellbeing and leadership in young people can apply for the fund, which totals £130,000. Visit www.coca-cola.ie/thankyou

Merry May Day - Traditional May Day dancing, market stalls and fantastic family fun will take place in Holywood on May 2. There's also live music from The Demon Barbers as well as colourful street theatre. Visit www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

What's Not!

Not fashion - Horse lover Katie Price has been criticised by fans for treating animals like 'fashion accessories' after shaving patterns into her ponies.

Affair - Rita Ora has become the latest star to be accused of having an affair with Jay Z. But the singer has hit back by saying the rumours are false and adding "I have nothing but the upmost respect for Beyoncé".

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Easy Peasy Recipe

This week's Easy Peasy Recipe is mahi mahi fish fingers, courtesy of Kua 'Aina, Belfast.

You will need:

2 mahi mahi fish fillets (or other firm white fish like cod or halibut)

1 egg

Flour, seasoned with salt and pepper

Panko breadcrumbs

To make:

Preheat deep fat fryer.

Slice mahi fillets into four equal quarters, being careful not to break up the fish.

Dredge fish pieces in flour, followed by egg and coating in panko breadcrumbs.

Roll to ensure an even coat on all sides.

Place fish fingers into hot oil.

Cook for 4 minutes, or until golden.

Transfer fish to plate lined with kitchen roll to absorb any excess oil.

Do you have an Easy Peasy recipe you would like to share?

Are you the queen of quiches, magnificent at muffins or can you turn out some nice scones?

If so, then we want to hear from you.

You can send your name, address, contact number and recipe (plus photo if possible) to:

Easy Peasy Recipes,

Suzanne McGonagle,

Irish News

113-117 Donegall Street,

Belfast,

BT1 2GE

or

s.mcgonagle@irishnews.com