Many children in the villages around Barwani go to school but cannot yet read a simple story on their own. A reading circle gives them time with books and with an adult who listens. This is how we plan to run ours.
What happens in a reading circle?
- The volunteer reads a story aloud, in Hindi or the local language, and shows the pictures.
- Children then read in pairs, taking turns, with the volunteer moving between them.
- The group talks about the story: what happened, what they liked, what they would change.
- Each child writes or draws one thing from the story.
- Children take a book home and bring it back the next week.
How often does a circle meet?
A circle meets for two hours a week, at the same time, so children and parents can plan around it. Groups stay small so that every child reads aloud in every session.
Which books do the children read?
We use picture books in Hindi at different levels, including free, openly licensed books from StoryWeaver by Pratham Books, which can be printed. Donations of Hindi storybooks for young readers are welcome.
Where do reading circles meet?
In the village: a school verandah, an anganwadi or a courtyard that a family offers. If you can lend a place, please tell us.
What does a volunteer need?
Patience, and the ability to read Hindi aloud. No teaching degree is needed. Two hours a week is enough.
Want to run a circle? Sign up as a volunteer or call us on +91 87188 19093.