Brookhurst International Schools reading culture: Let the stories roll

Introducing reading at an early age adds immense value to a learner’s development. It nurtures creativity, strengthens comprehension, and improves both writing and communication skills.

For one week, the Brookhurst International Schools Preparatory School play park transformed into more than just a place to play. It became a hub of stories, imagination and discovery as the Kiserian campus hosted its Prep School Book Fair under the theme “Let the Stories Roll.”

The week-long activity brought together learners and teachers in a shared mission: to cultivate a love for reading at an early age and make books a natural part of children’s everyday lives.

At a time when screen time increasingly dominates children’s routines, the initiative by Brookhurst International Schools highlighted the importance of intentionally replacing screens with books. By encouraging learners to engage with physical books, the school aligns with global best practices seen in countries such as Finland, where strong reading cultures support academic excellence and balanced digital use. Teachers note that choosing books over screens improves focus, imagination and critical thinking.

Learners took part in interactive activities such as scavenger hunts, book chants and the display of personal reading wish lists on classroom walls, an approach teachers say helps children take ownership of their reading journeys.

Mid-week activities shifted focus to guided reading sessions, where homeroom teachers led learners through storybooks in an open and relaxed environment. According to teachers, reading outside the traditional classroom setting helps learners associate books with enjoyment rather than obligation.

Thursday’s sessions brought stories to life through reading aloud and dramatization, allowing learners to act out characters and scenes from their favourite books. The activity not only enhanced comprehension but also encouraged self-expression and public speaking among the young readers.

Learners expressed appreciation for the school’s commitment to nurturing a reading culture, noting that the week-long activities made reading more enjoyable and positively impacted their schoolwork. Many said regular reading has improved their vocabulary, boosted confidence in class and made it easier to understand lessons across subjects.

The week also featured a Personal Library Display Day, where classes creatively showcased their personal book collections. Learners were encouraged to continue reading at home with the support of their parents, reinforcing the importance of nurturing reading habits both at school and beyond the classroom.

To celebrate effort and enthusiasm, learners were recognised with awards including the Outstanding Reader Award, Book Champion Award and Best Wish List Award, emphasising growth and commitment rather than competition.

The book fair reflects Brookhurst International Schools’ intentional approach to integrating literacy into everyday learning, ensuring that reading remains a central part of the learner experience both in and out of the classroom.

As the book fair came to a close, one thing was clear : at Brookhurst Preparatory School, stories are not just read; they are lived, shared and celebrated.