ONE OFF: WHERE CHILDREN LEARN TO LOVE BOOKS By Reema Kamat
Imagine this. You are a worm. A squirming, wriggling one. Only, you’re the good kind. Your domain is the enchanted forest. It has shelves for paths that you can walk on and books for trees that you can clamber on. Books in all shapes, sizes, colours, and ages. With leaves (pretty good pun, aye? Leaves of a tree, leaves of a book, get it?) of words that weave exciting stories to enthral you. And all you want to do is get straight at them. That’s right young sir or madam, you’re what they call, a bookworm. Or at least, that is what Sujata and Elaine want you to be. Started on 10 September 2005, Bookworm is an exclusive children's library that seeks to cater to the reading needs of kids right from the age when they learn to say their first word, if parents so desire and the kid can so accomplish. Founders Sujata Noronha and Elaine Mendonsa firmly and fondly believe that the reading habit is part of the essential grounding that every child should receive right from the formative ages. "To be taught to read well when young is to be well read for life," they say in agreement. Their mission reiterates this: "to provide a welcoming environment, which encourages a love of reading and learning." In furthering their passionate endeavour, Bookworm aims to develop a collection of library materials appropriate for the age group of at least one to 13, keeping reading levels, interests and needs in mind. The child will also be taught to access, use and evaluate information sources that are appropriate for them to know. "The idea is to promote reading as well as literacy," says Elaine. In doing so, Bookworm has four sections that divide the availability of these requirements; a lending library, a reference room, an activity space as well as a reading nook. The duo also plans to design and conduct programmes like storytelling, reading aloud, creative activities, finger plays, puppet theatre, as well as workshops around the same and more. More advanced readers can indulge in book discussion groups, script writing, poetry composition and other such constructive activities. They also plan to encourage the creative process early through innovative play like and the cognitive process through puzzles, games and much more! To find out what the "much more" is, do pay a visit immediately to Bookworm -- where children learn to love books. Bookworm is situated: 2nd Floor, Bluebelle, Tamba Colony, St. Inez, Panaji, Goa. Call 982322BOOK (9823222665 in case you hadn't figured). Volunteers interested in working with children or helping out with activities are welcomed with an excited squiggly tail! Reproduced on Goanet courtesy: Panjim Plus. CONTACT: Ilidio de Noronha (Editor & Publisher) [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] Phone: 2464687 or 9422058131. ---------------------------------------------------------------- GOANET-READER WELCOMES contributions from its readers, by way of essays, reviews, features and think-pieces. We share quality Goa-related writing among the 7000-strong readership of the Goanet/Goanet-news network of mailing lists. If you appreciated the thoughts expressed above, please send in your feedback to the writer. Our writers write -- or share what they have written -- pro bono, and deserve hearing back from those who appreciate their work. GoanetReader welcomes your feedback at goanet@goanet.org ---------------------------------------------------------------- Goanet, building community, creating social capital for a decade ----------------------------------------------------------------