An Innovative Reading Programme Takes Flight in the City’s Libraries

The city’s libraries have launched an exciting new program called the “Around the World Reading Programme” to get kids aged 9-12 interested in reading during summer vacation. The program combines reading with fun activities like puzzles, crafting, and even basic coding to keep kids engaged. The mascot LiBee guides kids through the program’s challenges, which are designed to make reading fun and exciting, and the program aims to show kids that reading can be a fun and relaxing way to learn about the world.

Addressing the Decline in Reading Habits among Children

The “Around the World Reading Programme” is a scheme launched by the city’s libraries to combat the fading reading habits in youngsters, especially during the elongated summer vacation. The program aims to ignite a passion for books among children aged nine to twelve years old by adopting an immersive, diverse approach that includes elements of amusement. It also offers child-friendly, thought-provoking challenges and establishes an arena for children to participate in delightful activities.

The city’s libraries have launched an inventive scheme, dubbed the “Around the World Reading Programme”. This exceptional endeavor is meant to introduce juvenile readers to the marvels of the world via the enchanting realm of literature. The iconic mascot, LiBee, is the delightful face of the City’s Library and Information Service and is prepped for this thrilling programme crafted especially for children aged nine to twelve years old.

Addressing the Decline in Reading Habits among Children

One of the core issues that this initiative tackles is the fading reading habits in youngsters, especially during the elongated summer vacation. This period is often dominated by outdoor charms and a respite from academic work, overshadowing the appeal of reading. To combat this, the programme has been thoughtfully scheduled for December and January with the aim of igniting a passion for books among as many children as possible.

Nonetheless, the programme is not just confined to reading. It adopts an immersive, diverse approach that includes elements of amusement. The participating children are also assigned a series of captivating challenges to be completed within their community library.

Drawing a correlation between physical exertion and cognitive stimulation, Patricia van der Ross, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, illustrates the importance of this programme. “While the advantages of physical activity are widely recognized, reading serves as a workout for our brains. Children who engage in intellectual activities like reading, are able to retain much of the knowledge they’ve amassed during the academic year,” she asserts.

A Kaleidoscope of Fun and Learning Activities

The programme not only offers child-friendly, thought-provoking challenges but also establishes an arena for children to participate in delightful activities. To amp up the excitement, a booklet comprising a myriad of activities has been curated for our little adventurers. As they navigate each continent with their travel buddy, LiBee, they are engaged with entertaining activities.

These encompass constructing the tallest edifice in Asia, unraveling a puzzle in Europe to spot a hidden landmark, crafting Rio Carnival masks representative of South America, translating English to Egyptian hieroglyphics, and employing SmartCape computers to unearth the names of extinct North American fauna.

Additionally, each continent is introduced with a brief story accompanied by a charming activity. This smartly integrates basic computer skills that children can learn while fulfilling these enjoyable tasks.

Van der Ross further clarifies the conceptualization behind the programme. “A crucial aim of the programme is to inspire children to associate reading with fun and relaxation, rather than perceiving it as a burdensome task or a school-related activity. Therefore, the programme is cleverly engineered to include elements of reading, rudimentary computer skills, coding, creative skills, and dancing,” she elaborates.

Embracing Technology and Innovation in Reading

In this unparalleled age of technology and innovation, the city’s libraries are revolutionizing the traditional approach to reading. They are transcending the conventional, forging an enriching and pleasurable experience that inspires children to learn and investigate.

The gateway to this programme is now open. It’s time for parents and their children to seize this opportunity. Pay a visit to your local library to learn more about the specifics of the program, and let the global expedition commence.

What is the “Around the World Reading Programme”?

The “Around the World Reading Programme” is a new program launched by the city’s libraries to get kids aged 9-12 interested in reading during summer vacation. It combines reading with fun activities like puzzles, crafting, and even basic coding to keep kids engaged. The mascot LiBee guides kids through the program’s challenges, which are designed to make reading fun and exciting.

Who is the program aimed at?

The program is aimed at children aged 9-12 years old who are on summer vacation. The program aims to combat the fading reading habits among youngsters during summer by igniting a passion for books.

What are some of the activities included in the program?

The program includes a variety of fun and educational activities such as constructing the tallest edifice in Asia, unraveling a puzzle in Europe to spot a hidden landmark, crafting Rio Carnival masks representative of South America, translating English to Egyptian hieroglyphics, and employing SmartCape computers to unearth the names of extinct North American fauna.

When is the program scheduled?

The program is scheduled for December and January with the aim of igniting a passion for books among as many children as possible.

What is the role of LiBee in the program?

LiBee is the iconic mascot of the City’s Library and Information Service and guides kids through the program’s challenges.

How does the program embrace technology and innovation in reading?

The city’s libraries are revolutionizing the traditional approach to reading by combining it with basic computer skills, coding, and other creative skills to make it an enriching and pleasurable experience that inspires children to learn and investigate.