Leyna Castle, Jay-Jay Charlie, Ayazingca Mqingwana, Saminam Naap, Lesedi (left) and (right) the children had a show and tell and had to bring their favourite books to school.
Wednesday, 5th of February, the grade 3’s celebrated World Read Aloud Day, which was about celebrating the power of words, especially those words that we share from one person to another. We made a pledge with Nali-bali and hoped to help them break a new record of reaching 2 million children by reading aloud. Sharing stories and personal experiences often begins with reading aloud.
Our children had a show and tell and had to bring their favourite books to school. Some brought their childhood favourite books that their parents read to them, others their favourite Bible stories and verses and some even mystery novels. Like Nancy Drew or the Secret Seven Mysteries.
Reading aloud is vital as it creates opportunities for children to grow and develop in many areas. It takes a lot of courage to stand up in front of an audience and speak. Reading aloud has so many crucial benefits like,
It help develops stronger vocabulary. Children acquire language primarily through listening. Reading aloud lets children regularly hear new words in new contexts, which builds their vocabulary and helps them develop a stronger awareness of the communicative possibilities of language.
It is essential for building connections between the spoken and written word.
Providing pure enjoyment for children. Reading aloud makes them more likely to become interested in learning to read, which is likely to then spark a lifelong love of reading.
Helps children increase their attention span. Unlike watching television, reading a well written book exposes children to sophisticated language, which can strengthen their cognitive abilities.
It provides a safe way of exploring strong emotions. Reading a story aloud that explores particular emotions helps some children to accept their own feelings and understand how others feel. Quality time that promotes bonding. Reading aloud with children provides benefits for adults too. The quality time spent together promotes bonding and strengthens relationships, making it easier for children to develop their social, communication and interpersonal skills.
Children’s self – esteem is boasted to share freely with their classmates and explain why this reading piece is enjoyable and interesting to them, which develops a sense of pride as we are all unique and different, all bringing something next and special to the class. Listening skills are vital learners need to sit still respect and listen attentive to their classmates stories and ask questions accordingly.
We really encourage our children to explore a lot of genres and find what excites them and is enjoyable for them to read. Reading must be seen as a fun rewarding activity and not forced or frowned upon. The grade 3’s cannot wait for their next show and tell.
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