International Children’s Book Day is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the importance of children’s literature and its role in developing literacy skills in pupils. To commemorate this year’s celebration, we invited Mrs Mary Kemi Adeoshun, the Permanent Secretary of Kwara State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, to read to our pupils in the classroom. Watch the video here:
Research indicates that reading significantly enhances language skills, cognitive abilities, and emotional intelligence in children, leading to better learning outcomes. A groundbreaking study by Nobel Prize-winning economist Professor Michael Kremer in Kenya in 2019 demonstrated that the methodology employed by KwaraLEARN led to two times more learning gains in numeracy and three times more in literacy than traditional methods. This study is among the most extensively researched interventions in Africa and emerging markets.
At KwaraLEARN, we recognise that by promoting a love of reading and children’s literature, International Children’s Book Day can inspire children to read more, which, in turn, can help develop critical literacy skills. Regular reading, for example, can enrich vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills.
Additionally, when pupils read books that captivate and engage them, they are more likely to become enthusiastic and motivated readers. This excitement can translate into improved learning gains in other curriculum areas. For instance, when pupils read about science or civic education topics that interest them, they are more likely to retain the information and develop a more profound understanding of the subject matter.
Finally, by encouraging pupils to interact with literature through events like International Children’s Book Day, we can foster a culture of reading that extends beyond the classroom. When pupils have access to a broad range of books and reading materials and are encouraged to read for pleasure, they are more likely to become lifelong readers, leading to continued learning gains throughout their lives.
