If the burning of books is symbolic, what is it symbolic of?
This question was asked by Karin Schimke in an article (Cape Times, 7 Feb 2014) that reported the gutting of the Zithobeni Community Library in Bronkhorstspruit, which serviced not only the community, but also two high schools and three primary schools. She goes on to say ‘How profoundly has education failed in this country if it has not entrenched in every single citizen the incontestable necessity of books for a hopeful future … How little are children loved and valued if their books are burnt?’
For those of us who love to read and value education, it breaks our hearts to read of libraries, books and schools being damaged or destroyed. But what can we do to ‘entrench’ in all learners, all parents, and hopefully the greater community, the vital role that books should play in everyone’s lives?
Teachers can and should spend time nurturing the love of books and reading in the classroom as, unfortunately, parents often do not have the time, energy or inclination to transfer this essential lifeskill. By getting involved in book promotions, book collections or book swopping schemes, learners often realise how exciting books can be … even if this feeling doesn’t come naturally to them.
Here are a few ideas on how to promote reading, and the love of books in the classroom:
- Don’t frown on graphic novels or comics: they offer various reading levels, help children understand story form and, of course, promote reading.
- Children are never too old to be read to. A family reading night, or family book, will help encourage reading. Children will want to be a part of it, and sometimes they can get more out of a book by listening, rather than reading, because it can spark discussion. Apply this in your classroom.
- Encourage learners to follow the blogs of their favorite authors. It’s a super way to hook kids into reading. They can learn how the authors came up with characters, how the books came about etc.
- Help learners to form book clubs so that they can share what they are reading with like-minded friends. This is especially useful if resources are limited and a library isn’t readily available.
Adapted from an article that appeared in The Washington Post.
What other ideas can you think of?
MacMo