It’s story time with the City’s librarians
City of Ekurhuleni encourages reading in young children.
Librarians from across the City have picked their favourite books to invite families and friends to huddle their little ones for an online storytime.
A total of 15 storybooks, read in four different languages by librarians, have been recorded to create an online reading corner that is available on the City of Ekurhuleni’s website.
“The essence of the online reading session is to instil the culture of reading in families and encourage the young ones to be exposed to, and start, reading from an early age,” said Karin Muller, head of libraries and information services in the City.
Recent research underlined the importance of reading skills in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS). Its purpose is to assess reading comprehension and to monitor trends in literacy at five-year intervals.
The tests revealed that 78% of Grade Four learners in South Africa fell below the lowest level on the PIRLS scale, meaning, in effect, that they cannot understand what they are reading.
Muller said that reading aloud to children would significantly benefit their cognitive development, and comprehension, improve their language skills, imagination, creativity as well as a magnitude of other benefits.
“Reading is a lifelong skill that will always benefit children. Research, furthermore, indicates a parallel relationship between literacy (which includes reading ability) and academic achievement, from Grade 0 to tertiary studies,” said Muller.
In this light, Ekurhuleni residents are encouraged to take advantage of the online reading sessions and develop the reading abilities of the young ones from an early age.
The videos of the librarians reading children’s stories will be shared weekly on the City of Ekurhuleni’s digital platforms.
Alternatively, residents can read ahead by visiting the online reading corner HERE.
While the online reading session is a perfect way to make reading fun for the entire family.
Library users are encouraged to visit any of the libraries in the City with their young ones. Libraries are open from Monday to Friday and every second Saturday.
For more information contact your local library or send an email to info.libraries@ekurhuleni.gov.za
