From the Library to Life: The Power of Reading

The transformation of reading into a routine is perceived by some as monotonous or a dull cycle, but I disagree with this view. In fact, routines represent our comfort zones and don’t always have to be challenging. For example, a child who regularly plays computer games may find this activity to become a routine. However, the main issue is how we assess our routines and how we can transform them into opportunities for personal growth and learning. Therefore, I appreciate our school’s efforts to instill reading habits in students and the support provided on this path.

Cultivating a love for reading?

The habit of reading is a very important matter for us in terms of our language skills as it affects every aspect of our lives. It is up to us, parents, to instill this habit in our children from the beginning. Individuals who read develop empathy, improve their social skills in a positive direction, and also enhance their ability to understand and express their own emotions and thoughts. Instilling this habit provides them not just with a hobby, but also with a lifelong friend and guide. So, what can we do about this?

• Daily Reading Routine: Allocate a certain time for reading every day, instilling in them the joy and importance of reading.
• Diversity in Book Selection: Offer your children books of different genres, expanding their curiosity and interests. This broadens their worldview and increases their enthusiasm for learning.
• Participate in Reading Activities: Join reading groups and activities organized in your school or local library, improving your children’s social skills and showing that reading is a fun activity.
• Place Books in Your Home: This ensures that something to read is always within reach.

For families living in a different country like us, reading in the mother tongue holds a separate importance. It helps children feel closer to their cultural and linguistic roots, enhances their sense of identity, and also facilitates learning new languages. Our school is continuously working on enhancing its collection of native language books. Every library day, students are encouraged to take out books in their native language.

The Role of Parent Volunteers in Fostering a Reading Culture

So, why do we need parent volunteers so much? Frankly, the main reason I volunteer at the school is to show my children that the school is a part of the entire family, not just theirs. That’s why my spouse and I work in the library. I specifically chose the library because volunteering here provides an opportunity to help children develop their interests and reading skills and, of course, to offer some support to teachers who have to make hundreds of decisions every day. Volunteerism among parents demonstrates to children the importance of contributing to the community, enhances the sense of responsibility, and strengthens the relationship between parent and child. Every moment I spend in our library is a great pleasure for me.

Let’s remember, every book is a door and with every page turned, our children learn more about themselves and the world. Together, let’s give them the opportunity to explore the boundless world of reading.

Thank you, Nursen, for your great contribution to our OIS News and for your dedicating and support in our library and our OIS Community!