The aim of this week of events is to promote and support the joy of reading in both young and old readers. The picture book “Frederick” by Leo Lionni, which has served as the namesake for this annual literature and reading festival for 25 years, tells the story of the little mouse Frederick, who appreciates the small miracles of life and encourages his readers to think.
This year, the Sichelschule students in grades 1 to 6 were able to look forward to a wonderful week all about reading. The visit of numerous reading guests was particularly pleasing, including Mayor Dirk Abel, District Administrator Martin Pauli, Ms. Angela Godawa from the school support association, Mr. Bastian Greschek, the head of the music school in Balingen, and Mr. Felix König, managing director of the HBW Balingen-Weilstetten.
In addition, additional volunteers agreed to organize reading lessons in the various grades. A big thank you also goes to Mr. Schäfer, Ms. Jessica Gieß, Mr. and Ms. Hartmann, Ms. Susanne Scheck, Ms. Kraus and Ms. Angelika Kunze. All children and teachers at the Sichelschule in Balinge enjoy the numerous commitment of the reading sponsors every year.
Another highlight was the author reading by Boris Pfeiffer, who is known for his works “The Three ???-Kids”, “The Legacy of the Ring” and numerous other books for young people. The event not only offered the students an opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of books, but also to get to know the author personally and ask questions. At the end of the event, the students also had the opportunity to receive an autograph.
The children listened spellbound and were thrilled by the invited readers. It’s always nice to look at children’s smiling faces and show them their enthusiasm for literature. In order to maintain this joy, the school-internal reading competition will take place again at the Sichelschule in the next few weeks.
What specific strategies did the organizers of the “Frederick” reading festival employ to engage children of different ages and reading levels?
## World Today News: Fostering a Love for Reading – An Interview
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we’re discussing the recent “Frederick” reading festival held at the Sichelschule in Balinge, a week-long celebration dedicated to nurturing a love for reading in children of all ages. We are joined by two special guests: Ms. Angelika Kunze, a dedicated volunteer involved in organizing the festival, and Mr. Felix König, managing director of the HBW Balingen-Weilstetten, who participated as a reading guest. Welcome to both of you.
**Section 1: The Importance of Reading Festivals**
* **Interviewer:** Ms. Kunze, this is the 25th year the “Frederick” reading festival has taken place. What makes events like this so crucial for fostering a love of reading in young minds?
* **Interviewer:** Mr. König, as a prominent figure in the community, why do you feel it’s important to lend your support to initiatives like this reading festival?
* **Interviewer:** Do you believe that events like these can have a lasting impact on a child’s relationship with books, or is it merely a fleeting experience?
**Section 2: The Community Effort**
* **Interviewer:** Ms. Kunze, organizing an event of this scale clearly requires a significant community effort. Can you elaborate on the role played by volunteers, teachers, and the school itself in bringing this festival to life?
* **Interviewer:** Mr. König, what was your experience participating as a reading guest?
Did you notice a particular spark in the children’s eyes?
**Section 3: Engaging Young Readers**
* **Interviewer:** Ms. Kunze, the festival included a special author reading by Boris Pfeiffer, known for works like “The Three ???-Kids”. How do you think author visits contribute to making reading more engaging for children?
* **Interviewer:** Mr. König, what are some strategies beyond organized events that you believe can be employed to encourage reading habits in children within the community?
**Section 4: Looking Ahead**
* **Interviewer:** Ms. Kunze, the school will be holding a reading competition in the coming weeks. How do you see this competition connecting with the “Frederick” festival and continuing the momentum of promoting a love for reading?
* **Interviewer:** Mr. König, do you have any final thoughts on the value of literacy and the importance of events like the “Frederick” reading festival in shaping the next generation of readers?
**Conclusion:**
Thank you both for sharing your insights and experiences with us today. We hope this discussion has shed light on the vital role that reading festivals play in fostering a lifelong love of learning. For World Today News, I’m [Your Name].
