As Dr. Seuss famously said, "You can find magic, wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book." With the upcoming observance of World Book Day on April 23rd, we find ourselves at the perfect intersection of time and opportunity to instill the magic of reading in our beloved students. This year's theme, "Read your way," encapsulates the essence of this celebration and invites us to embark on a journey into the enchanting world of books.
History - How it All Started
World Book Day, established by UNESCO on April 23rd, 1995, is a global annual celebration dedicated to books, authors, illustrators, and the love of reading. It commemorates the legacy of literary icons such as William Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. More than just a tribute, this day underscores the importance of cultivating a lifelong passion for books, an integral part of our children's lives.
The Big Question in the Digital Age
In today's technology-driven world, where digital consumption is ubiquitous, we must pause to ponder: Are we truly embracing the spirit of World Book Day? Despite the presence of e-books and audiobooks, are we fostering genuine interest and patience for reading amidst social media scrolls and OTT platforms?
As responsible adults in children's lives, we must model a love for books and reading. While we may be quick to critique the younger generation, we must take proactive steps to infuse their lives with the enchanting beauty of literature. It’s not about a day's celebration but about lifelong living.
“ Read your way,” which is all about giving the much-needed autonomy and choices in books, nurturing a habit of reading to make it a pleasurable experience, emphasising the significance of choice and joy in nourishing the love for reading.
So, we know our dream destination, “ A world full of books flustered with fun reading,” but do we have a roadmap to navigate and a guide to help through, So here is the philosophy to abide by to build that abode of fulfilment. Let’s ally with the philosophy of “ windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors” coined by Rudine Sims Bishop, which relates specifically to children’s literature and goes hand in glove with this year’s theme.
The Philosophy of "Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors"
Rudine Sims Bishop's philosophy of "windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors" offers profound insights into the transformative power of literature, aligning seamlessly with this year's theme. Books should serve as windows into the realities of others, mirrors that reflect the lives of readers, and sliding glass doors through which readers can immerse themselves in different experiences.
The Science Behind Reading
Getting a little scientific, just for the sake of my love for science and all things brain, “While our brains are wired for spoken language and we learn to speak through exposure, we must be taught how to read. Reading instruction changes our brains’ structure and how they work. Once we learn to read, we can’t turn it off! Our brains automatically process the print that we see with no conscious effort on our part” (reading rockets). In 2012 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, neuroscientists at Stanford University reported that reading ability in young children is related to the growth of the brain’s white matter tracts—specifically, the arcuate nucleus, which connects the brain’s language centres, and the interior longitudinal fascicles, which links these language centres with parts of the brain that process visual information.
How it all started
The journey begins as infants start to process sounds, followed by children learning phonological processing, which involves manipulating sounds to form words. From there, they progress to reading single words, building their vocabulary to comprehend sentences and paragraphs, and ultimately mastering fluent reading.
While it may seem complex, our innate capacity for empathy and purposeful connection makes this journey more manageable. Like a seasoned chef, we blend purpose, meaning, and personal resonance into the mix, creating a recipe for success.
Now is the perfect time to bring it all together and prepare a delightful literary feast, transforming each day into a celebration of reading. Picture cozy corners, steaming cups of caffeine-free hot chocolate, and the enchanting world of books awaiting exploration.
How to cultivate reading habits
Let's cultivate small reading habits within our family or classroom routines, ensuring we engage in them each day without fail. Introduce children to a diverse range of genres, allowing them to explore and immerse themselves in books. Encourage them to get copies of their favourite characters in book form, and follow up by watching related shows or movies to enhance their interest.
Consider organising community or classroom book clubs as a modern twist on traditional playdates, where children can enjoy literary adventures alongside cake, cookies, and shakes. The key ingredient in fostering this love for reading is, and always will be, love itself.
Engage in read-aloud sessions daily, whether at home, school, or even at the park. Make reading a shared experience, ensuring it's not turned into a general knowledge quiz but rather a source of enjoyment. Lead by example by letting children see you indulge in flipping through the pages of print, whether it's during car rides or road trips where audiobooks can also be enjoyed together.
Cook and bake together, but remember to read the recipe first! Planning a family vacation? Dive into reading and exploring together to make the experience even more enriching. Create your own scrapbook or experience book filled with fun memories, pictures, and personal reflections to share with classmates at school. Remember, reading is a fun and enriching activity that can take place anywhere and everywhere, as long as we learn to hold books not just in our hands, but also in our hearts.
This World Book Day, let's pledge to "Hook on the Book" and establish a culture where reading is more than just a task—it's a joyful pursuit ingrained in our daily lives and treasured in our hearts. Together, let's embark on a lifelong journey of literary adventure and discovery.