News
This week, the Junior Librarian Valentina, from Eagle class, shares with us one of her favourite reads. A great choice as it complements our current library display whose focus is on exploring stories which have been made into films – If you like the movie, you’ll LOVE the book!
Valentina recommends Aladdin, retold by Anna Bowles and illustrated by Shahar Kober.
Valentina’s reason for her choice: “I like magical stories and Aladdin is one of my favourite books!
Mrs Harvey supports Valentina’s choice – Aladdin is a timeless classic. The message of the story revolves around the themes of being true to oneself and the idea that strength and wealth comes from within. It highlights the importance of honesty and selflessness – key concepts of The Grimsdell Way.
The traditional tale genre has an important role to play in the development of our children. From prepping us for the pitfalls of life to teaching us valuable skills and lessons, traditional tales and fairy tales are ever relevant, whatever our age. These narratives stay with us well beyond our childhood.
According to child psychologist Sally Goddard Blythe, director of The Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology and author of The Genius of Natural Childhood: Secrets of Thriving Children, even in our own age, fairy tales still have a lot to teach children about life, and indeed give us key imaginary experiences that shape us throughout our lives: “Fairy tales are important not because they show children how life is, but because they give form to deep fears and dreams about life through fantasy”.
Most traditional tales embody the hopes and aspirations of the majority of people in the society and are used to transmit and preserve the cultural values of the group. The stories help in showing how society views itself and also conveys their notions of justice, rights and social obligations of its citizens. Honesty, goodness and unity are depicted as important values which the heroes and heroines of traditional tales always use to prevail over their problems. The traditional tale genre provides ways for children to receive important messages – the role of honesty, kindness – and the message of each is ultimately positive, providing a sense of wellbeing.
Happy Reading!
Mrs Harvey
