Helping your child learn to read: stories by author and teacher Magdalena

Discovering the world of reading is a crucial step for both children and adults. When our kids start school, learning the alphabet, letters, and words often causes anxiety for parents. As part of its new collection, Momday, Tajinebanane has spoken with Magdalena, a successful author and former teacher, to discuss reading. Here’s what we found out:

What inspired you to write books to help children who are learning to read?

Magdalena:"As a child, my father told me many stories, which sparked my love for reading and writing. Since I spoke very little, I wrote poems and nursery rhymes as a way to express myself. In fact, writing was like breathing to me; I never questioned it. Later, in middle school, I did my first internship at a preschool, and that’s when I had the epiphany to become a teacher.

Ten years ago, Flammarion trusted me, and I had the chance to create a series for early readers with three progressive levels, something I wished I had when I was a teacher. So, we can say that writing books to facilitate children's learning is part of my DNA."

What would you say to parents who are guiding their children through their early reading experiences?

Magdalena: "We often make the mistake of not explaining to children why it’s important to know how to read. We need to show them that reading is part of our lives, explain its purposes, and how it provides freedom. Even when a child starts to read on their own, it’s ideal to support their progress and keep reading as a shared experience. It’s especially important to foster a love for reading because if children feel forced, they might become discouraged. To achieve this, you can use play. You can also make the world of books present for them: by visiting the library, going to the bookstore, reading stories to them, or simply reading ourselves around them."

You have been a teacher as well as an author. How has each role helped the other, and vice versa?

Magdalena:"I taught for a long time while also writing. Even today, I still visit classrooms to introduce my texts to young readers. Writing for new readers, it’s essential for me to return to schools.

In my teaching experience, I encountered many children who didn’t always speak French. Because of this background, I’m committed to representing all backgrounds in my books. I want every child to see themselves in the stories they read."

Question:What would you say to parents who are guiding their children through reading?

Magdalena:"Help your children choose their next books to create a moment of connection. And no matter what type of reading they choose, whether it’s picture books, novels, comics, or even manga, it’s all still reading. There’s no hierarchy"

Question: And if you could address all the children who are learning to read?

Magdalena:"Reading is like learning to ride a bike. Some people pick it up right away, and others might fall before they get it, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be just as good as anyone else. You will always end up succeeding."

In the same vein, Tajinebanane has also launched its Momday collection, inspired by the world of words to dress young and old alike! To find out more about this collection, click here. 🚀