Kibeo Beatrixplein has started the 'BookStart in childcare' program. Together with their own reading coordinator and the reading consultant from the Hoeksche Waard Library, they create a language-rich environment at the branch. Because reading aloud is not only fun, but also extremely good for children's language development. As part of this collaboration, a performance of Puppet Theater Marienepien was organized. The performance was well attended by toddlers and their parents.
The reading coordinator ensures a good reading climate at the location
Kibeo Beatrixplein has a reading coordinator, just like a number of other Kibeo branches. The reading coordinator is an educational professional from the branch who ensures that reading aloud takes place regularly. In addition, one of her most important tasks is ensuring a good reading climate. This means that there is a comfortable environment for children to be read to and that there is a sufficient selection of diverse books. Thanks to financial support from the national government, and with the cooperation of the reading consultant from Library Hoeksche Waard, consideration is also being given to renewing the book collection and reading environment.
The benefits of (interactive) reading
Reading aloud has many benefits for children's language development. Especially if this happens in different ways. Soms the same book is read in different ways in one week. One of those ways is 'interactive reading', where things such as cuddly toys and toys are brought out, such as in the Puppet Theater Marienepien. The pedagogical professional uses these items to portray the story. She shows pictures, makes matching sounds and asks open and closed questions to the children. The children are completely absorbed in the story. In addition to learning new words and improving sentence structure, reading aloud also expands a child's imagination. Benefits for more than just language development!