Book Week 2024
Below is a free resource designed to align with the 2024 Australian Book Week theme, “Reading is Magic.”
Book Week 2024
What Is It?
The 2024 Book Week theme, “Reading is Magic,” celebrates the enchanting power of books to transport readers to new worlds, spark their imaginations, and evoke a sense of wonder. This theme beautifully aligns with the Positive Psychology principles of awe and wonder, which are crucial for enhancing wellbeing.
Awe and Wonder in Positive Psychology
Awe is a profound emotional response to something vast and beyond our current understanding, often leading to a sense of connectedness and humility. Wonder, a related concept, involves curiosity and amazement, driving us to explore and learn more about the world around us. Both emotions contribute significantly to psychological wellbeing by promoting a sense of joy, expanding our perception of life’s possibilities, and fostering a
deeper connection to others and the universe.
Reading is Magic
Books have an unparalleled ability to evoke these feelings. Through storytelling, readers can experience awe by encountering grand narratives, complex characters, and fantastical worlds that stretch their imagination and understanding. The magic of reading lies in its power to immerse readers in experiences far removed from their own, prompting feelings of wonder and curiosity.
For teachers, incorporating this theme into our classroom activities can enhance students’ wellbeing. By selecting books that inspire awe and wonder, we can help
students cultivate a lifelong love of reading while also supporting their mental health. Stories of epic adventures, magical realms, and profound human experiences can spark students’ imaginations, encouraging them to dream big and explore the unknown.
Additionally, discussing these themes in class can help students recognise and articulate their own feelings of awe and wonder, building emotional literacy and resilience. In a world where stress and anxiety are prevalent, fostering these positive emotions through the magic of reading can be a powerful tool for promoting overall wellbeing.
In essence, the 2024 Book Week theme “Reading is Magic” not only underscores the joy and adventure found in books but also highlights their role in nurturing awe and wonder, essential components for a flourishing, well-rounded life.
To learn more about PEEC, or any of our other resources, please contact: institutecurriculum@ggs.vic.edu.au.
