As part of the UAE National Reading Law, the month of reading and Abu Dhabi Reads, ADEC introduces numerous literacy activities
As part of the Abu Dhabi School Model (ADSM), reading in both Arabic and English is the foundation for an improved education system, one that the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) is working closely to hone.
During his speech delivered at a reading induction session organized by ADEC at the Al Jahili school in Al Ain, H.E. Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi, ADEC’s Director General, stressed on the importance of investing in youth and consolidating the image of the UAE as an inspirational role model in the region as part of the “UAE’s National Reading Law” issued by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which aims to support the development of human capital by contributing to the building of mental capabilities and knowledge, while supporting intellectual output and building knowledge communities in the UAE.
“The UAE National Reading Law reflects how human resources are prioritized as the center of a comprehensive development plan in the UAE. In line with those wise directives, and as part of ADEC’s aim to create lifelong learners who are capable of contributing to a knowledge based economy, ADEC has introduced various reading related initiatives for all schools and the community at large in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi,” said Dr. Al Nuaimi.
In line with the UAE National Reading Law, public and private schools have been instructed to ensure all around reading activities are supported all year long. Schools have been encouraged to offer “reading” as an optional subject in their curriculums in efforts to further enhance reading skills amongst pupils. School and university libraries have also been encouraged to update their books and provide age appropriate reading material for students; LRC’s, who play a major role in promoting reading amongst pupils, will be offered continuous professional development and guidance.
As part of ADEC’s Irtiqa’a program, a large part of the evaluation process for public and private schools is literacy and reading. A pupils reading capability and skills of LRC’s, will be measured and considered.
“Reading is essential for a child’s success and growth, which is why ADEC’s logo is “Iqra’a” which means “Read.” Reading is the cornerstone of the education council’s corporate identity, since it is emblematic to basic values and ethics of our religion, which stresses on the importance of reading,” stressed Dr. Al Nuaimi.
As part of the nation’s eagerness to enhance moral education while creating a cohesive society bonded by its identity, and in line with ADEC’s “My Identity Program” or “Haweyati” – the education council has helped support and encourage the distribution of age appropriate books in school libraries that focus on morals and values, good behavior, culture and national identity.
Other activities that ADEC has implemented across schools in order to highlight the importance of reading, includes: providing continuous reading assessments for pupils in order to test their literacy level; encourage students to participate in reading related activities across both public and private schools; encourage schools to celebrate “World Book Day” and “International Literacy Day;” support giving out books as charity and part of a humanitarian act; ensure licensed teachers and LRC’s are capable of enhancing passion for reading and writing amongst pupils, while following reading guidelines; provide continuous support for school leaders in efforts to increase “reading related activities” across all schools.
Dr. Karima Al Mazroui, Advisor to ADEC’s Director General and P12 Acting Executive Director, explained that reading should be encouraged from the early foundation years. “Through hearing stories, children are exposed to a wide range of words, which helps build their vocabulary and listening skills. Learning to read is a sequential process; each new skill builds on the mastery of previously learned skills, which is exactly why we have decided to focus our fifth round of Abu Dhabi Reads on kindergarten and Cycle 1 students this year.”
Dr. Karima announced that the 2016-17 Abu Dhabi Reads initiative will take place 16th April to 2nd May 2017, whereas the Abu Dhabi Book Fair will be held 26th April to 2nd May 2017, a duration of two weeks and three days.
In efforts to develop enriching activities to enhance reading/writing skills and increase student attainment, while offering engaging initiatives for both pupils and parents, some of the activities launched during Abu Dhabi Reads in April includes: character day, book swap day, read books on the bus, read my t-shirt, open the door to reading, write your first novel at 4/5 years old, create your first movie trailer about a book you last read, parent reading and survey, poetry, author study and visits, play challenge, reading corner, classroom reading library, reading theatre, music and reading, book club, fiction and non-fiction collage, trivia, book awards, design a book cover, school book tally and many more.
By the end of the campaign, students who contributed in reading and writing activities will be recognized and awarded.
“The whole point behind this year’s Abu Dhabi Reads is to create an inspirational, fun-loving, knowledgeable and innovative atmosphere for students to read, write, imagine and create. We are confident that through this campaign and our ongoing reading activities, schools will be engaged with further reading practices and initiatives, parents awareness regarding the importance of reading will progress and the wider community will support the development of a reading culture,” concluded Dr. Karima.
– ADEC Media
