A small book makes a big difference

Together with his program, he takes action through initiatives such as the Voorleesexpress and primary school De Horizon, as part of the project ‘Reading with Impact.’

This project began with a children’s book collection within the program and reading sessions at a primary school. Last year, four students joined in, and this year the number rose to twelve. These students not only read aloud but also stimulate language interaction among children aged 2 to 6 through various activities. “From every window at THUAS you can see the contrasts of the city, different neighborhoods with major urban challenges”, Simon explains. “I believe we shouldn’t forget that with this school we can have an impact on that dynamic.”

Real books 

Language interaction is essential for early development and equal opportunities, even in subjects like mathematics. Reading aloud has a positive effect on language development, and recent studies show that this also applies to reading in the mother tongue. “It’s difficult when there’s no money at home for children’s books, or when parents speak little or no Dutch. That’s why we ask for books in all languages. Yes, you can find children’s books online in many languages, and that certainly helps accessibility, but in the brain, human interaction works so much better. Looking each other in the eye and talking, that’s why real books matter.”

One big community 

THUAS has a huge international community, and Simon sees this as the solution to bridging the gap. “As a knowledge institution, we have a responsibility to the neighborhoods around us. I hope to contribute to the feeling that we are one big whole, not separate islands with our own curriculum. If we mobilize our community, together we can create more language interaction.”

Donate 

Do you have children’s books in Dutch or another language that you can spare? Make a big difference with that small book and hand them in by Friday, December 17, in the atrium next to the entrance.