World Read Aloud Day marked in Montclair
In an effort to foster a culture of reading, World Read Aloud Day was celebrated recently at Kidz Care Pre-School in Montclair.
Reading aloud is one of the most important things a parent, caregiver or teacher can do towards developing young children and this was celebrated on World Read Aloud Day (WRAD), on Friday 1 February.
Montlands Libary together with Nal’ibali marked the day by visiting pupils of Kidz Care Pre-School in Montclair, to read them a special story and do some fun, engaging activities. Nal’ibali (isiXhosa for “here’s the story”) is a national reading-for-enjoyment campaign to spark children’s potential through storytelling and reading.
Librarians Sinenhlanhla Mngadi and Nomzamo Mgobhozi read to the eager children in the home languages, using expressive gestures to promote a good understanding of the literature.
Teachers Surie Naidoo and Samantha Nel of Kidz Care Pre-School said they appreciated the visit, which was an enlightening and positive experience for the children, which contributed to their principles of enforcing reading at the school.
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Montlands librarian Lionel Reddy said that in light of the current age, which is characterised by a lack of reading among young children and youth, it is important that special days like WRAD are used as a means to encourage reading among young children. “Some 100 children were read to during this event and the children thoroughly enjoyed the story. We also advised the teachers to encourage parents to enrol their children at the library, to promote a culture of reading outside of the school environment,” added Reddy.
Nal’ibali’s provincial support co-ordinator Sibongiseni Blose said the organisation is all about promoting reading for enjoyment.
“WRAD is essentially about promoting reading in young children, getting them used to books and developing their vocabulary. Literacy skills are a strong predictor of future academic success in all subjects and children who regularly read and hear engaging stories in languages they understand, are well equipped and motivated to learn to read and write. We partnered with Montlands Library when they reached out to us to do something special for the young ones within Montclair. Reading not only builds a strong language foundation, but it also introduces vocabulary and can help develop empathy, curiosity and critical thinking. It is so fulfilling to do work which benefits and develops minds at a young age that will set them up for a bright future,” said Blose.
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