Roanne Duran-Pascual: Raising a Reader

Hi, Bagong Nanay!

July is National Children’s Book Month, kaya naman I asked a fellow Bagong Nanay to share how she’s raising her toddler son to develop a love for reading.

I remember interviewing an Ivy League professor and author Gregory W. Slayton, and he shared that children learn how to make sense of the world through reading. He boldly said, “You cannot be a leader if you are not a reader.” No pressure naman sa ating mga nanay, kasi sabi naman niya, even if you are not a great reader yourself, at least, help your child to love reading because it’s through it that they understand how the world works.

So for our first #KuwentongBagongNanay since our re-launch, I asked my good friend Roanne Duran-Pascual to share tips and book recommendations for parents. Roanne is one of the greatest storytellers I know. ‘Yung tipong kapag nagkuwento siya, feeling mo nandun ka sa pangyayari, ganun ka-vivid. I believe it’s because she reads and writes a lot. That’s why when she became a Nanay, I know she’ll enjoy telling her son stories, and nurturing his love for reading too.

Kaya wala nang patumpik-tumpik pa, here’s how Roanne raises her son to be a reader and a leader. In her words, she’s a Bagong Nanay who is ‘living the prayer, and learning every day.’

Read on, and share this with another Bagong Nanay.

Why raise your child to be a reader, according to a reading mama

I strive to raise a reader because, first, reading opens up a limitless world—and books are passports that take my son to places we never could. I love how books allow him to see, hear, and feel things beyond his everyday experience. How his imagination expands with every new character he meets and new adventure he takes on. This is particularly crucial during children’s foundational years (0-3yo), when their brains are developing at lightning speed. Which brings me to my second reason. 

Studies have proven a wide range of benefits of reading to child development. From cognitive and communication skills, to focus and critical thinking. Kids learn faster, comprehend better, and analyse sharper. Of course, we can teach all these skills in other ways, but if we can nurture them all just from one regular activity, isn’t that a big win for us parents?

Reading is one of the best ways to learn empathy.

-Roanne Duran-Pascual

Third, and most importantly for me, I want my son to grow up recognizing and respecting others who are different from him. To hear voices and feel experiences other than his own. Reading is one of the best ways to learn empathy. Like why Rainbow Fish won’t give up any of his shiny scales, or how happy Giraffe felt when Porcupine knitted him a scarf—simple stories allow him to learn others’ struggles and emotions.

He may not fully show these traits now, but it’s never too early to teach him compassion, kindness, and seeing the world through the eyes of others.

How to raise a reader: 3 practical tips

Be consistent.

I know, it’s hard for us parents who have endless to-do lists and barely half a brain to keep up with routines. So choose at least just one part of your kid’s day and dedicate that time for reading. It could be before bedtime, after shower, first thing in the morning—whichever works best for you and your kid. It doesn’t have to be long, even just 15 minutes of fully present time, every day, makes a huge difference in the long run. Consistency is key.

Make it accessible.

Have books within their reach as much as possible. (Yes, there will be book casualties, but trust me–it’s worth it). If you can, get a toddler shelf so they can pull out books anytime they want (there are pretty decent ones in Lazada/Shopee that are less than P1,000).

Books don’t have to be expensive. Check with other parents if they have hand-me-downs. Second-hand bookstores are also great places to score affordable gems.

Roanne Duran-Pascual

If that’s not an option, just set up a cozy corner with a pile of their books. We also usually leave books lying around in bed, which he can pick up when he wakes up before we do; and we always pack a book in our baby bag as the default “toy” when we go out.

Make it fun.

Reading should be something they enjoy, not earned or dreaded. Avoid associating reading with rewards, punishments, or chores. Make it as normal as eating and playing. Bonus: let them see you reading yourself and finding joy in it. 

Book and author recommendations

Noah’s turning two in October and these are the books he engaged well and clearly picked up most from.

Dr. Seuss beginner books

They use simple, repetitive words, and catchy rhyme and rhythm. These help kids learn and memorize words more easily, boosting their confidence and encouraging them to read more.

Adarna board books

Books from Adarna House are best in introducing age-appropriate concepts in Filipino, like body parts, family members, and food. I especially love their series on Filipino values and mabuting asal.

Sandra Boynton and Eric Carle books

Both are engaging series. Boynton’s are short and humorous, often in sing-song patterns, making them super fun to read. Carle’s have vibrant and engaging illustrations with subtle lessons embedded in stories. 

There are so many wonderful books out there, so feel free to discover what your child enjoys most. And remember, books don’t have to be expensive. Big tip: check with other parents (friends, mommy/daddy groups, online declutter pages) if they have any hand-me-downs. Second-hand bookstores are also great places to score affordable gems.

About the Bagong Nanay: I am Roanne Duran-Pascual from Marikina City. I am the Bagong Nanay of Noah, 1 year and 9 months. Outside motherhood, I’m a storyteller and development worker, who dreams of opening her own bookstore one day.

Want to share your #KuwentongBagongNanay too? Comment below or send me a DM on Instagram.