In this modern world filled with screens and fast-paced distractions, cultivating a love for reading has never been more important. Reading goes beyond understanding the alphabetic principles – it’s a passport for imagination, empathy and lifelong learning. In the Junior School, we believe that every child has the potential to become a confident, curious and joyful reader, one that reads for pleasure, rather than a chore to tick off their ever-growing to-do list.
Creating meaningful, positive experiences with books from an early age will spark a child’s passion for reading. Reading aloud to children remains one of the most powerful ways to grow their reading ability, vocabulary, imagination and emotional wellbeing, and, more importantly, it fosters bonds and emotional connection.
A home or classroom filled with a variety of books and reading materials invites curiosity and exploration. When children are surrounded by words, they begin to see reading not just as something they have to do, but something they get to do. A cozy reading nook, a colourful bookshelf or even a well-loved stack of library books can turn ordinary moments into literary adventures.
Reading doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. It can be playful, social and interactive. Storytelling, acting out scenes, drawing pictures based on a book, or writing a new ending are all ways to deepen engagement with a story. Celebrating books through events like Carey Celebrates Literature and Children’s Book Week add a sense of fun and excitement to the reading experience.
2025 is a milestone year for the Children’s Book Council of Australia, as they celebrate 80 years of Children’s Book Week. For eight decades, CBCA has been dedicated to inspiring young minds to journey through the countless worlds that books offer. As we near the end of this year’s Children’s Book Week, we have sparked new interests, shared favourite stories and celebrated the power of books to bring us together.
‘Once you read, you will be forever free.’ – Frederick Douglass
Instilling a love of reading means giving children the space, support and inspiration to discover what books can offer. It’s not about how many pages they turn – it’s about the joy they find along the way. Together, as educators, families and a caring community, we can raise a generation of readers who see books not as chores, but as companions for life.
Sophie Fisher
Deputy Head of Junior School – Head of Donvale Campus
