Tell a story, read a book, share a moment!

I have been spending some time every Thursday at the library of my daughters' primary school since term 2.  My new mission: to bring the joy of reading for pleasure and share my passion for picture books with children at the school.

I am entrusted with a small number of boys and girls who need to read more or need help with reading (according to their teachers). These children, whom I read to once a week, declared that they love books and try to read.  However, they are not read to at home and have little time and exposure to a wider range of picture books and children's literature.

Thus, as a storyteller, I will find books and stories that will first engage them.  Meaning, 'content' that will get them interested in reading and motivate them, eventually, to read on their own in their spare time.  How do I choose the books?  I ask each child what interest them and the kind of books they enjoy reading.  I give each one an opportunity to pick a story that he or she likes me to read.  I also choose good picture books that I believe they will enjoy reading together with me and as a group.

While I understand that the teachers are probably hoping that these children can read fluently through this reading programme, I feel that it is much more important to first nurture and cultivate the children's passion for reading rather that getting them to go through a phonic lesson with me.  I think once reading becomes a habit and hobby, the child will learn to become better reader - at least that's how I become a reader.

I have been studying discourses and books written on children literature and reading. I believe:

"The first engages the eye, the second the mind and the third the heart. Engagement of the heart distinguishes a reader from someone who is merely able to read. A good teacher of reading ensures that, right from the start, children learn not only how to read but about being a reader." (Understanding Children's Books, Prue Goodwin)

I can't wait to meet my little friends and take them on another story adventure again.

Painting - The Reading Lesson by Paul Seignac (1826-1904)

PS: An amazing stop-motion animation created for New Zealand Book Council to inspire New Zealanders to read more.  This short film, which uses an excerpt from Maurice Gee’s novel Going West, has won an international prize for paper cut animation awarded by New York’s Museum of Art and Design. Book Council chief executive Noel Murphy says the aim of the film is to excite people about books and reading - “The idea that lies at the centre of this project is that reading is an activity that surprises, delights, challenges and ignites the imagination.”  So ... enjoy!