By Noa Hilevitz Yoseph, Librarian
The theme of this year was “bij mij thuis” (At my home). The library had a “temporary” renovation, turning into a “cozy” little home. Curtains were hung, lamps were lit and even a bed, with some blankets and soft toys to cuddle with, appeared. Our students couldn’t be more surprised and happy stepping inside the library to find out how the room transformed.
During Children's Book Week, we had storytelling sessions and encouraged students to share their own stories. This not only enhances their communication skills but also boosts their confidence. Storytelling fosters creativity and imagination, essential qualities for IB learners.
The read aloud books for the week were:
- No Room On My Rock, by Jol and Kate Temple
- Home Is in Between, by Mitali Perkins
Nurturing lifelong readers
As a diverse International and multicultural community, it was great to see how students made connections to their own lives, while listening to the stories. This is the essence which brings students, teachers, and librarians together to explore the wonderful world of children's books, showing our commitment to nurturing lifelong readers and critical thinkers.
Children's Book Week is an ideal occasion to ignite and nurture a love for reading among our students. This is why, the main event of this week, was dressing up as our favorite book characters. Walking into school that day and seeing all our primary staff and student dressed up, shows the joy of planning creatively and discovering new (or revisiting old favorite) book characters. This is no doubt, a powerful motivator for reading. As we celebrate Children's Book Week each year, we are reminded that books have the power to shape minds, open hearts, and inspire the leaders of tomorrow.