Day 3: Reading Circles – For every page read, a new dream!
Since 2011, After School Support has been more than just an educational space, it has become a haven for learning, where children find not only school support, but also a solid foundation for their dreams. Here, each child finds a place where they can overcome difficulties, improve their performance and learn habits that will help them throughout their lives.
As this programme grew, a challenge common to many children became apparent: difficulty reading. It wasn’t just a school problem, but something that affected their overall development. After all, reading is much more than an academic skill. It’s a powerful tool for understanding the world, making decisions and dreaming of a different future.
It was to meet this challenge that a special initiative was born: the Reading Circles, created by Professor Jequissone at the Santa Luisa de Marillac School. The idea is simple, but it has made all the difference. In these circles, the children meet regularly to read aloud. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, encouraging each pupil to take part without fear of making a mistake!
The practice of group reading brings benefits that go beyond simply putting words together. It helps improve concentration, memory and interpretation, while boosting confidence in public speaking. What’s more, it turns reading into a special moment where children discover the pleasure of immersing themselves in stories, imagining different worlds and sharing discoveries.
Reading is opening a door to knowledge and creativity. In stories, children find inspiration, learn to understand other realities and begin to see the world through different eyes. It is through reading that many of them discover that they have the power to change their own history.
The Reading Circles show that reading can be fun and full of meaning. From these circles, the habit of reading can take root and transform lives, one page at a time.
Each page read is a step towards the future these children deserve. And that’s what the After School Support s and Reading Circles provide: opportunities for each child to excel and discover their potential. Because when a child learns to read, the world has no limits.