Fostering the importance and love for reading through interactive storytelling, World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) captivated young audiences in Ocean View on Wednesday 7 February.
Marlene Davids, senior librarian at Ocean View Library, said the library encourages reading throughout the year, and not only on WRAD.
“For us reading is very important especially from an early age. If children don’t understand what they are reading then they won’t be able to do math or any subject assignments.
“So we try to encourage learners to not only read for assignments but for the love of reading.”
Last week, 1 216 foundation-phase learners from Kleinberg and Marine primary schools were captivated by interactive storytelling on WRAD, a collaboration among Ocean View Library, Ocean View police and the local councillor.
“When community leaders read to children it inspires them to pick a book up,” said Davids, “and we choose books that are very exciting and interactive so that kids can participate.
“On WRAD we wanted children to learn the importance of reading by interacting and seeing community leaders read out loud. The children were especially excited about having policemen in the classroom.”
Ocean View Library hosts storytelling sessions at the library each week and encourages preschoolers and parents to attend.
“Some parents don’t read to their children,” Davids pointed out, “so we go into the community and read to them and also invite them to come to the library.
“We have story time for age groups of 2 to 4 and invite creches to come to the library as well as preschoolers. We also have Grade 1 and 2s coming to us or we go out to them.”
She expressed how heart-warming it was to see young children light up with a book.
“We have so many new members, especially younger kids, wanting a library card. You can see the impact reading has on children because they remember the stories and characters in the books, making memories that will stay with them.”
