It seems so simple: children should learn to read. But just how important reading is to their development and future success is largely underestimated. 

At SABIS^®, we truly understand the value of reading and the importance of instilling a love of reading in children at an early age as the key that unlocks the door to lifelong learning. And in a constantly changing world, lifelong learning is not just an essential soft skill. It is a survival skill that will allow students to upskill and reskill themselves in the ever-changing world they will need to navigate post-graduation.

Recognizing this, SABIS^® places reading at the heart of its curriculum. Starting from a very young age, SABIS^® schools focus on instilling a love of reading in students as a means to expand their vocabulary, build independence and self-confidence, develop social-emotional skills and of course, imagination.

Additionally, SABIS^® schools always come up with creative ways to motivate children to read more.

One example is the “Reader of the Week Award” at our school in Kenya. This is awarded to the student who reads the most words in the week per grade. The school uses the MyOn reader, which personalizes reading for student by recommending books based on their reading level, interest, and the ratings they give on books they have already read. The program nurtures students’ interest in reading, improves their reading ability, and keeps them motivated.

Another example is the SABIS^® International School – Ruwais in Abu Dhabi, UAE, that recently launched its Book Club encouraging students to read books on various topics. The club members meet to discuss the books they are reading and make their recommendations to their fellow club members.

There are also initiatives that are launched across the network, such as the recent campaign to promote reading in Arabic.