Togetherness: The value of reading aloud for school children in rural areas

Abstract

This poster reports on an ongoing programme, Read Aloud for You, in rural areas in Taiwan. This programme intends to build a reading culture within the family and school. Different from other reading programmes which heavily rely on storytelling volunteers or school teachers, this programme involves caregivers in school children’s reading practices. Through 10 minutes’ read-aloud to children every day, not only do children listen to stories read by caregivers in their everyday life, but they also feel loved and cared. This poster asks: What is the value of reading aloud for school children in rural areas? Qualitative data were collected through observations, interviews, and documents. Study participants included school children, school teachers, and caregivers. Data were analysed from the perspective of communities, a form of interaction. Preliminary findings show that the value lies in the areas of “caregivers’ modelling reading behaviour”, “creating conversation and discussion”, “embracing togetherness among peers”, “appreciating companionship of caregivers”, and “library as a place.” Photographs and study participants’ quotes will be used to illustrate the research findings in the poster.