Project Binding Us Together: Why is it important?
- Daisy Noh
- Apr 27, 2020
- 3 min read
It's not news that COVID-19 has changed our lives in more ways than we can count. Family gatherings have been cancelled, small businesses have closed their doors, and schools have been shut down. Being kept inside our homes without the company of friends and loved ones has been difficult and has made us feel increasingly disconnected with them. How can we feel more connected at such a distance?
It all started with Harry Potter, a highly unusual boy...
As kids spend more time indoors, their iPads, TV's, phones, game consoles, and computers are getting more attention as well. Because schools stopped holding classes, kids are forced to fill their time through other means.
As an older sister myself, I began to notice this spike in screen time with my eight year old brother. So, I started reading the Harry Potter books to him everyday. I adored making him laugh with my awful attempts at a British accent and trying to explain to him why wizards don't like saying "Voldemort". The sparkle of imagination I saw in my brother was the exact same light I had when books were read to me as a kid. I started thinking, "Wouldn't it be great if more kids could experience this, too?".
What's so special about books?
The Book Bears club was created based on two beliefs: 1) untold stories need to be told, and 2) there is power in books.
1. Reading helps grow your knowledge.
This fact is undoubtedly true. Dr. Seuss said it best:
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” - Dr. Seuss
Books bring you into a life that is not your own and immerse you into problems you may not be facing. Reading is one of the best ways to grow your understanding of the world.
2. Reading develops many essential skills.
Skills like writing, critical thinking, and concentration are essential for kids to succeed in the future. Reading books can help build the stronger foundation of these skills.
Now more than ever, helping and encouraging young children to read, learn, and think will help them thrive once school is back in session and beyond.
3. Reading promotes kids' imaginations and inspires creativity.
In a world where kids are consuming more entertainment, they have little reason to be idle. Yet, boredom is when people become most creative. A study conducted by Sandi Man at the University of Central Lancashire found that when our minds don't have a source of stimulation, it'll create it for us in the form of imagination and creativity.
So how do we foster imaginative and creative minds? By giving them a break from constant stimulation. Getting kids to trade screens for books will help them grow into more imaginative people.
4. Reading helps kids bond with whoever is reading with them.
My parents used to read to me everyday when I was growing up. Those happy memories with them are what inspired me to read to my younger brother, and it is now fueling my desire to share that experience with as many kids as possible.
As social distancing has become the new norm, we are always looking for new ways to connect with others. Encouraging people to read with a younger sibling, extended family member, or friend over FaceTime or Zoom will help our community feel less distant.
What are we waiting for?
Project Binding Us Together is important because it not only promotes reading among kids, but it brings us together as a community. The Book Bears Club believes, without a doubt, that reading even a short story with them would make their day a little bit brighter and positively impact their futures. We encourage you to participate in this campaign, and share your experience with us using the #bookbound.
There is power in reading; let's share the magic with as many kids as possible.
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