Celebrated every year on February 3rd, World Read Aloud Day this year highlighted the importance of reading aloud and sharing stories; even more so for our younger children.
According to Celeste Hewett from the Read Educational Trust, the early childhood development (ECD) sector has been hit particularly hard due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“In a world where Covid-19 has wreaked havoc on life as we knew it with months of lockdown, very few preschools, play groups and crèches opened again due to financial reasons.”
She added that now more than ever, a simple activity like read out loud to your children is priceless.
“Reading aloud also boosts confidence, helps children cope better with anxiety, develops memory and expands children’s worlds. It supports healthy brain development that forms a priceless foundation for success at school and beyond.”
Hewett mentioned that the Read Educational Trust is a non-profit organisation and was established back in 1979. It operates broadly in the education and literacy sectors across South Africa. They work alongside the Department of Education to implement teacher training and literacy projects in schools.
“Early literacy skills include handling books, being able to name books, knowing how stories work, recognising sounds and letters, growing vocabulary and sharpening listening skills. All of these are imparted when a caring adult or teen reads aloud to younger children. “
Over the years, the organisation has come up with a number of tools to promote literacy.
Read Aloud Magic Box Sets are available to purchase and are vital in encouraging reading aloud, and all the benefits this activity holds.
“These sets are a priceless investment, not only in terms of serving to build children’s vocabulary but in terms of facilitating quality time with the little ones. Set A is aimed at children aged 4–7; Set B is suited to kids aged 5–8 and Set C is for children aged 6–9.”
