“I like reading aloud”
Finn, Jens and Frenkie open mini library at daycare center 2Eekhoorns
3-year-old Finn, Jens and Frenkie are crazy about books and stories. “I really enjoy reading, every day,” the toddlers said almost in unison. They were proud that on behalf of all babies and toddlers they had ‘their’ mini-library at the daycare 2Eekhoorns in the Hoogland district in Naaldwijk. They were ready with stacks of books for everyone in the district. Together they held the ribbon and cut it! Afterwards there was applause from all their buddies in the toddler groups and pedagogical staff Esther (43) and Bianca (21). Interactive reading is a fixed part of the day to promote language development and reading pleasure. You can't start young enough with that. Childcare 2Samen with 7 locations in Westland and more than 60 locations in The Hague is now richer by another mini-library.
In addition to being a PM, Esther is also a reading coordinator at 2Eekhoorns. She and almost all her colleagues have been trained in reading aloud by employees at the Westland library. All Westland locations also participate in Boekstart, the initiative to introduce children from 0 to 4 years and their parents to the pleasure of books and (aloud) reading in an informal way. It strengthens the bond with a baby. And children who have been read to as babies are better at language later on.
“We were really looking forward to it. With the mini library, we are able to motivate the children and the neighbours to enjoy reading (aloud), in an accessible way. Just after the library was installed, a local resident spoke to us from behind her walker. She thought exchanging books for the young and old in the neighbourhood was a great idea,” says Esther laughing. “I know for sure that this works here, because even before our festive opening there was a thick reading book in there. Now you can also find our children's books in the library. Finn, Jens and Frenkie have finished them, so they want other children and their (grand)parents to be able to read them together. They are looking forward to new stories again, because they love them! It's great to experience how they hang on your every word while you read to them. One listens quietly and the other actively participates and points out the pictures. The pleasure of reading radiates from their faces.”