The 6 to 13 September 2010 has been identified as National Book Week (NBW). The Department of Basic Education will be participating in the events hosted by the South African Book Development Council and the Department of Arts and Culture.
The aim of the NBW is to promote reading nationally, and also to encourage innovative ways to strengthen industry initiatives, develop skills and increase book sales particularly from South African and African authors.
The Department of Basic Education will showcase its reading initiatives at the Africa Museum, Newtown, Johannesburg from the 10 to 13 September 2010. Thirty schools from the Gauteng North district have been identified to receive book donations which will be used in classroom libraries.
Teachers and learners are invited to attend and participate in a range of activities which include the following:
Exhibition
The exhibition will display different programmes and products that encourage reading amongst children, youth and adults.
South African Library for the Blind
Blindlib will be promoting their services. In the reading tents, they will run a Braille game that can be used by both sighted and blind people. They will also be having demonstrations of their tactile books, which are also used to introduce babies and toddlers to books.
Getting to know your library
Do you feel intimated by libraries? Are you shy to join a library in case you are not sure what to do? Come and see how easy and fun it is to use your public library. For all ages.
Children’s reading tent
The children's reading tent will be a homely environment for children to enjoy storytelling at its best! Storytellers will provide exciting and interactive sessions for children between the ages of four to 13. Children will also be encouraged to enjoy silent reading time.
Children's magic tent
From the tranquility of the reading tent, children will be able to explore their way to the magic tent, which will be filled with fun activities, including some book prizes, treasure hunts and puppet shows.
Adult's reading tent
The adult's reading tent will provide an opportunity for adults to explore books through group reading sessions, demonstrations, book club information and quiet reading spaces. Youth activities will also take place here.
Puku
Puku is a children's writing project. Teachers and librarians can learn a great deal for their own reading promotion activities.
The department calls on all parents and members of communities to promote the importance of books and a love for reading. Parents must ensure that reading materials are available in the home and that their children read on a daily basis. Reading is fundamental to learning.
Enquiries:
Granville Whittle
Cell: 072 148 9575
Source: Department of Education
National Book Week
