Children’s Book Network has been successfully working with children to encourage reading for 13 years. Beginning in Red Hill Informal Settlement (above Simon’s Town), we gave workshops and began developing our reading material with older teenagers and then with our target age-group of ages 10-15. The Red Reading Toolbox Project started here. A move to […]
CBN – History and Vision Read More »
This enormous project has taken years to put together – but is now nearing completion. It consists of three sturdy boxes, each containing themed books and a handbook on the theme with around 120 pages of stories and texts specifically written for CBN children. There are twelve themes in all. We are about to initiate
The minutes before a workshop begin are filled with anticipation. There are always some children who come early (sometimes very early), and some who come late, (sometimes very late), but the core group has assembled around the suggested time for a healthy drink and a snack. CBN children are often hungry when they arrive, and
We work with children in under-resourced communities where there is often little or no exposure to books outside a classroom context and for tests and exams. These young people are at a critical age for reading. Mostly, they have learned the basics of reading, the ABC of it. BUT In the first three years of
Children We Work With Read More »
Our method is formed around these core beliefs: Children can do anything if they are given enough encouragement and belief in their potential. Reading is not just a means of passing tests, it is a lifelong skill – and it is interesting and fun as well. Reading needs practice and it has to be taken
Children’s Book Network writes and imagines reading materials, activities and games that encourage children between the ages of 10 and 15 to give reading a chance. We also introduce them, through our popular reading workshops, to books and other texts that stimulate imagination and thinking. We work with under-resourced and book-deprived communities where our projects
Creative Director Lesley Beake, writer, educationalist and reading activist. Has published more than 100 books for children and young people, worked on numerous educational projects, been translated into 12 languages other than English and received many book awards. Practical experience as a teacher for ten years. She works a number of days a month. More
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When we began the toolbox project, we thought the book selection would be easy. What a pleasure to read a hundred books, or so, choose some, and develop materials around them. It wasn’t easy at all. The nature of publishing has changed over the last two decades so that it is hardly recognizable as the
Our next big outreach programme will be a series of workshops to as wide a selection of children as possible, starting with the Kruis Rivier farm school and moving into Calizdorp to work with schools there and the local library. We will be trialing the newly published Red Reading Toolbox – the beginning of everything
Calitzdorp and Kruis Rivier Workshops April 22, 23 and 24 Read More »
We are currently checking the final proofs of this work of dedication and perseverance before it goes to print. Soon, soon, we will hold the first copies in our hands. But our hands are not the important ones. Children must have access to these materials that support and encourage reading for a vulnerable age-group. The
Publication of first Red Reading Toolbox Handbook: Books and Stories Read More »
Wilien van Zyl, our workshop and training manager has been hard at work, specifically on the training manual for our three amazing facilitators, Rachel van Rooyen, Georgette Plaatjies, and Kelly Semu (with more trainees to follow soon). The result was an excellent workshop held at Stanford’s new business and meeting venue, The Nest. We have
Training Workshops 2024 Read More »
The Mobile Book Club Boxes were initiated at the beginning of 2021 after lockdown. There was a need for children to have access to books without going to the local library. Covid restrictions didn’t allow them access to the facility. Children’s Book Network, recruited local organisations in the community and keen parents to assist us
Mobile Book Club Boxes Read More »
Children’s Book Network Workshops 2024 TERM 1 January – March Special Workshop Themes Regular Workshops February Valentine’s Day Leap Year March Human Rights Day Easter Three workshops a week at three different venues. Mondays The Learning Tree (Stanford South) Okkie Smuts Laerskool Wednesdays Enlighten Trust (small) One Saturday a term Enlighten Trust (Big)
Children’s Book Network Workshops 2024 Read More »
We are kicking 2024 off with a facilitators training workshop. We currently have three venues where workshops are being held. Stanford South, where children are under the very capable hands of Rachel van Rooyen and Georgette Plaatjies (local residents). These two facilitators have lead successful workshops in 2023. Enlighten Trust, weekly workshops are facilitated
Training Programme for Local Facilitators Read More »
As schools begin thinking about getting back to work after the holidays, Children’s Book Network is committed to increased involvement and participation. Here is our plan of action: Our goal remains, and will always remain: To bring a love of books and stories to the under-served age group of 10- 12 years old. To do
2024 Already? We are good to go! Read More »
Dear Librarians, In these toolboxes are keys to unlock kingdoms of wonder and curiosity for the young patrons who walk through your door. Unlike standard school curriculums that are designed as if every student learns in the same way, thesetoolboxes allow your young patrons to discoverand explore their unique interests, passions and learning styles. The
Librarians! Celebrate Learning with CBN Toolboxes Read More »
TIMELESS WHISPERS “In South Africa, the Karoo is always ‘over the mountains’. Wherever you come from, you must cross high blue mountains by dangerous passes that corkscrew up into the sky and then let you down again on the other side. It is very beautiful. It is very big. It is very dry – except
The faded image of a paper found floating around our Children’s Book Network store after last week’s devastating floods says it all. Stanford has been through a terrible week. First there was the image of our river entirely out of control. There was disbelief. (It can’t be coming through the door!) Followed by
Hope and more Reading Read More »
On Monday 25th September 2023, our local river here in Stanford transformed itself from the Klein (small) River to the Huge River. It swept through the town causing incredible damage – but fortunately no loss of life. Now we are cleaning up and assessing the enormous damage to property. There is mud! The
When the Little River changed… Read More »
As part of an archaeological outreach (and reading) programme, CBN recently travelled to the Tankwa Karoo in the arid Northern Cape. We gave five workshops in all, two at Elandsvlei farm school, where the children welcomed new ideas, new books – and a chance to conduct their own archaeological survey. We have been trialing our
CBN Goes North – Elandsvlei Farm School Read More »
