On Apr.23, in celebration of World Book Day, Collins, the education publishing division of HarperCollins India, hosted a dynamic workshop, ‘Foster a Love for Reading in Learners’, held at Higginbothams, Mount Road. The event brought together over 30 educators, including teachers and librarians, from leading schools across Chennai for a day of reflection, learning, and literary inspiration.
The workshop was led by noted educator and founder of Beyond Books (Sastri Nagar), Venkatalakshmi Vikram, who captivated the audience with her expertise in early literacy and reading engagement. Through hands-on activities, collaborative discussions, and innovative strategies, the session aimed to empower educators to transform how reading is introduced and nurtured in classrooms.
Key workshop elements included exploring the design of inviting and stimulating reading corners, implementing interactive techniques like storytelling games and role-play, and leveraging digital tools to make reading more engaging. Furthermore, the workshop emphasised the importance of diversifying book collections to include a wider range of voices and genres, reflecting global cultures and varied perspectives.
Nestled within the shelves of one of India’s oldest bookstores, attendees browsed through a specially curated selection of children’s books and teaching resources presented by HarperCollins India.
Teachers left the workshop inspired and equipped with actionable takeaways to rekindle the joy of reading in their students. “It’s wonderful to see a publisher go beyond books and focus on empowering educators,” shared one participating librarian. “Sessions like these truly make a difference,” said another participant.
