The Magic of Stories: Secondary Students Inspire Young Readers at Surabaya European School

Surabaya, Indonesia – At Surabaya European School, books are more than just a source of knowledge—they are a bridge that connects generations, cultures, and ideas. This spirit came alive during a special event held as part of the school’s World Book Day celebrations: the Secondary Storytelling Session.

In this heartwarming activity, secondary students stepped into the roles of storytellers for younger peers. With books carefully chosen from the library’s extensive collection, the older students read aloud in small groups, engaging their young listeners with expression, enthusiasm, and imagination. The session was not only a celebration of literacy but also a testament to the power of mentorship through storytelling.

The image captures a moment of shared wonder: a group of primary students learning attentively as a secondary student brings to life the pages of Marty’s Scarf. Their eyes are wide with curiosity, their faces lit with excitement. It’s more than just reading, it’s a moment of connection and inspiration.

This initiative highlights the school’s commitment to fostering leadership, confidence, and empathy in its secondary learners. By giving them the opportunity to mentor and entertain, the activity cultivates essential communication skills while reinforcing the joy of reading. Meanwhile, for the younger children, the experience transforms reading into an interactive, social event. Listening to an older peer adds a layer of relatability and admiration that sparks a deeper interest in books.

Teachers observed that both age groups benefited equally: the older students learned the value of patience, storytelling techniques, and audience awareness, while the younger students were motivated to explore more books independently. Events like these are a cornerstone of the Surabaya European School approach, celebrating literature not as a solitary task but as a communal journey. Whether through dramatic retellings, expressive voices, or animated facial expressions, each story told was a gift shared from one student to another.