Inspiring Young Readers to Learn, Wonder and Make a Difference

At The British School of Lisbon, our library sessions are about much more than choosing a new book. They are an opportunity to spark curiosity, introduce children to inspiring people and encourage them to think about the difference each of us can make in the world.

In primiary each week, our library sessions begin by exploring the story of someone who has made a positive contribution to society. These conversations allow our students to discover people from a wide range of backgrounds and fields, while connecting their achievements to the world around them.

During our focus on the natural world, for example, students learnt about Sir David Attenborough and watched short clips featuring whales and other extraordinary wildlife. We have also explored the story of Tim Berners-Lee, creator of the World Wide Web, helping students understand how one person's ideas can transform the way we live, learn and communicate.

This week, our students are discovering the story of Dolly Parton. Beyond her career in music, students are learning about her commitment to helping others through education, healthcare and disaster relief, including her work to encourage a love of reading in children.

At the heart of these conversations is a simple but important message: we can all make a positive difference. Making an impact is not only about great achievements or how much money we have. A kind word, helping someone who needs it, sharing what we have or simply offering a smile can make somebody's day a little brighter. 

Building a love of reading from the very beginning

For our younger students, storytelling is also an important part of each library session, with a story shared either at the beginning or end of their time in the library.

Developing a love of books from an early age is about so much more than learning to read. Stories introduce children to new ideas, places, people and experiences. They help develop language and imagination while encouraging children to ask questions, explore different perspectives and build empathy for others.

By making the library a place of stories, discovery and conversation, we hope our students come to see reading not simply as something they do at school, but as something that can open up their world.

And perhaps most importantly, through the people and stories they encounter each week, we want our children to understand that they too have the ability to make a difference, however big or small.

Because sometimes changing someone's world can begin with something as simple as a story, a kind word or a smile. Not How You Start, But How You Finish.