Reading is so much a part of daily life for those of us who live in literate communities. In my early days, my parents always encourage me to read books. I still remember the books that I always read. It was kids encyclopedia. What interesting about the book is it have a lot of pictures which attract me and most children. Reading does not always have to be from books. In my everyday life, I read newspapers, advertisements and even pictures. In my childhood experience, most of my reading is for pleasure (creativity and imagination).
However, I want to admit that I am not a good reader. That is why I read for pleasure is done for it's own sake. I would rather chew off my own leg than confess to enjoying reading. In school, we are required for examinations. Educational pratices tend to neglect the pleasure principal. nevertheless, my favourite reading materials during primary school is 'dictionary'. I enjoyed reading it.
Most of my reading exposure is because of my parents. They often read to me. They do not skip my regular reading time. They always read and reread stories requested by me. The most important part is they always encourage me to make predictions and I will tell what I think will happen next. As a child I always enjoy the illustrations. And the funny part is when they are being patient while I am reading aloud. Besides that, I will think of a new ending to the story. I used to read children's magazines. Apart from that, my parents always bring me and my brothers to check out the public library. At my home, we have our own library where my father create a special place for us to read books in our home. Furthermore, my mother will keep a few "old favorite" books in the car to enjoy.
In short, the way we perceive reading behaviouris linked to different reader purpose, for example what kind of reading behaviour is expected in classrooms or families. our day-to-day reading is highly selective. And even when we commit ourselves to a full reading, that reading will still be selctive, some parts being read with greater care than others.
