In an age dominated by digital
screens and instant gratification, nurturing reading habits among young
students has become both a challenge and a priority for educators. ODM Public
School, a distinguished CBSE school in
Bhubaneswar, has emerged as a pioneer in addressing this challenge
through thoughtful library programs and reading initiatives that are
transforming how students engage with books.
Creating an Irresistible
Reading Environment
The foundation of any successful
reading program lies in the environment it creates. ODM Public School
understands that a library should be more than a quiet room filled with
books—it should be an inviting sanctuary that sparks curiosity and imagination.
The school has designed its library space to accommodate students from
kindergarten through senior secondary, with dedicated sections that cater to
different age groups and reading levels.
What makes this approach
particularly effective is the recognition that every child's reading journey is
unique. By organising collections based on age-appropriate content and
implementing a flexible borrowing system, the school ensures that students always
have access to materials that challenge them without overwhelming them. This
thoughtful curation helps students develop confidence as readers, gradually
progressing from picture books to complex literature as their skills mature.
Building Responsibility
Through Structured Systems
One distinguishing feature of ODM
Public School's reading program is its emphasis on personal accountability.
Unlike many institutions where books simply circulate without much thought,
this CBSE school in Bhubaneswar has
instituted policies that teach students to value and respect shared resources.
Before borrowing any book, students must carefully examine its condition,
creating a mindful ritual that connects them more deeply with the material.
This practice serves multiple
purposes. It maintains the quality of the library collection, reduces damage to
books, and most importantly, instils a sense of ownership and care in young
readers. When students understand that they are responsible for the books they
borrow, including potential replacement costs for damaged materials, they
develop careful handling habits that extend far beyond the library walls.
Fostering Individual Choice
and Independence
Perhaps the most impactful policy
at ODM Public School is the prohibition of book exchanges between students.
While this might seem restrictive at first glance, this rule actually empowers
students to become more discerning readers. When children cannot simply borrow
from classmates, they must engage more thoughtfully with the library catalogue,
exploring different genres and authors to find materials that genuinely
interest them.
This approach encourages students
to step outside their comfort zones and discover new literary territories
independently. Rather than gravitating toward whatever their friends are
reading, students develop their own reading identities and preferences. This
independence in selection translates to more meaningful reading experiences and
helps cultivate lifelong learning habits.
Integrating Reading Across the
Curriculum
What sets top CBSE schools in
Bhubaneswar apart is their ability to weave reading into the broader
educational experience. ODM Public School doesn't treat the library as an
isolated resource but rather as an integral part of the learning ecosystem.
Teachers regularly coordinate with librarians to recommend books that
complement classroom lessons, whether in history, science, or literature.
This integration helps students
see reading not as a separate activity but as a natural extension of their
learning journey. When a science class studies ecosystems, students find
related books in the library. When the literature class explores poetry, the
library offers collections from diverse poets. This seamless connection between
curriculum and independent reading reinforces learning while expanding
students' horizons.
A Model for Educational
Excellence
As parents across Bhubaneswar
seek quality education for their children, the approach taken by ODM Public
School demonstrates how thoughtful policies and dedicated resources can create
an environment where reading flourishes. By combining accessibility with
accountability, freedom with structure, and contemporary resources with
timeless values, this CBSE school in
Bhubaneswar is preparing students not just for examinations but for a
lifetime of learning and intellectual curiosity.
The success of such initiatives proves that when schools invest genuinely in cultivating reading habits, they're investing in the very foundation of academic excellence and character development that will serve students throughout their lives.
