Stress on reading at school library opening

SPK Jain Futuristic Academy, a new school in Action Area II, has started a reading club for pre-primary students and their parents.

“We are holding these sessions on a Saturday every month. If we take to books we also take to independent thinking. Research has shown that reading a book produces serotonin which has a calming influence on our entire personality,” said Jaideep Patwa, secretary of the school.

The school, which opened in June, inaugurated its library recently. On the day, a panel discussion was held, followed by a story-telling session for children.

The school takes in students from the age of 18 months. “We have a daycare section which follows an experiential pedagogy. The new National Education Policy says learning should not be forced but should come from within. We are not teaching only through books. They will also spend time with objects, each of which is scientifically designed to teach a lesson. Books will act as facilitators,” he said.

On the same floor as the library is the play area of the children. “Their sitting area is not fixed. They can move around as they please. We will give them clay to play with, and jugs and glasses to fill up. All these activities will increase their reflexes and muscle power and give them self-confidence,” said principal Darshan Mutha.

Actress Koneenica Banerjee, who came with her baby, urged the parents present in the audience to keep a balance between technology and reading. “If we parents are on the phone the first thing in the morning and the last thing before going to bed, that is what our children will learn,” she said, adding that she often left a book with her child. “She cannot read but she sees the pictures. Books give us knowledge and stokes the imagination. We all imagined Harry Potter in our head before we saw the film,” she said.

Jessica Gomes, the principal of Loreto Day School (Eliot Road), pointed out that technology is there to add value. “Let’s not get blinded by technology,” she said.