De Boekenworm, located in Amsterdam IJburg, is not your typical bookshop. It is the place where primary school students from De Archipel take command and proudly take the position of book seller. When you arrive, the students are keen to speak with you. The children have only recently begun running this special children's bookshop, but they have already gained a great deal of insight into the importance of reading and its impact on language development.
Technology
De Archipel Primary School's extraordinary initiative sheds light on the challenges children face today in a world dominated by advanced technologies such as ChatGPT and QuillBot. While these innovations have their advantages, they also have the potential to displace the traditional reading experience and the enjoyment that comes with it. This has resulted in a decline in children's reading skills and enjoyment, which can have serious implications for their development. To reverse this trend, it is critical to continue to emphasise the importance of reading not only in school, but also at home and in the community. Initiatives like the Boekenworm help to foster an environment in which reading is encouraged, valued, and cherished. They provide children with the opportunity to discover books, feed their imaginations, and explore new worlds.
The Bookworm's success demonstrates that children still want to read and enjoy books if they are given the right environment and stimulation. We can restore children's literacy and reading pleasure and prepare them for a future where they can be successful regardless of technological changes by embracing and sharing the power of reading.
Boekenworm
Hannah, a 10-year-old from seventh grade, exclaims with enthusiasm, "This children's bookshop is called the Boekenworm, and we are proud that we now run it together. Reading is important not only now, but also in the future because you will need it throughout your life." Her words reflect the awareness of these young booksellers. Miss Dorien, also known as Dorien Schipper, is an important part of encouraging reading on the Archipel. The teacher recognises the value of reading and devotes significant time to it in the classroom. This sparked the idea for the children's bookstore. The Bookworm is an inspiring environment where children can share their love of reading and encourage others to do the same. The pupils develop not only their reading skills, but also their self-confidence, social skills, and entrepreneurship by actively participating in the selection and recommendation of books to customers.
'This project started with another class a few years ago,' says Miss Dorien. At the time, it was mostly the seventh graders who ran the shop, but the goal is for both grades 7 and 8 to be involved and let the shop thrive together. The summer holidays are quickly approaching, and we intend to remain open for an extended period following the holidays. Due to the corona restrictions, De Boekenworm had to close its doors several times. 'After some fits and starts, we have recently been really open,' says Miss Dorien.
The shop is filled with colourful bookshelves brimming with exciting mysteries, enchanting fairy tales, and books for adults. "It is important for kids to see what is going on in the real world, not always pretending," said Miss Dorien, who is closely involved in the project. This gives the kids a taste of what life is like." Students learn valuable lessons about teamwork, customer service, sales, and taking responsibility by actively participating in the day-to-day operations of the bookstore.
