THE STUDENTS OF HINDSBURY PRIMARY school were yesterday told why reading was the one single most important characteristic they must develop at this stage in their education.
And the school’s principal Nola Cummungs-Lewis has encouraged them to “Learn to read, then read to learn”.
As the school launched its third annual Reading Week at its Hindsbury Road, St Michael location, Cummings-Lewis told the children that reading was the critical skill they needed to acquire at school and was the vehicle they need if they are to realise their potential. She pointed out that for the illiterate child, the inability to effectively read can steal their hopes and dreams.
Cummings-Lewis told her charges that there were several people who have not realised their full potential because they were illiterate. “They would like to go forward to a job; they would like to do something,” she said but noted the restrictions they faced.
Cummings-Lewis said she personally knew individuals who were skilled in one area but unable to pursue certification or further advancement in their area of specialty because of poor literacy skills.
“Literacy problems steal your hopes and your dreams of success,” she told the children.
At Hindsbury they have recognised that the door to literacy must be opened to the students from primary stage in order to develop a passion for reading. Stating that literacy transforms lives for individuals and societies alike, and should be considered a fundamental human right, the school principal said it was also the foundation for lifelong learning, which was critical for success in today’s information-driven society.
The students, teachers and parents of Hindsbury School will participate in a range of activities this week under the theme Dare To Read, Think, Speak And Write. The activities include developmental sessions for teachers and parents, a book fair, parents’ evening, word hunt and a writer’s corner.
The students also got the opportunity yesterday to share with visitors attending the opening ceremony their Literacy Week jingle penned by Cummings-Lewis. They also performed a variety of songs and poems speaking about the importance of reading. (LK)