Reading and storytelling with Punjabi children – 'Virasti Bohar'

Harpreet Kaur is a primary teacher in Wodonga, Victoria. An environmentalist at heart, she was keen to illustrate a visual story that may help Punjabi children understand the impact of trees in our lives.

Harpreet

Source: Supplied

A few years ago, Harpreet Kaur was helping her son to learn Punjabi. This was the time when she first realised the importance of picture books for children.

Harpreet told SBS Punjabi that her hunt for storytelling Punjabi books led her to many disappointments.

“We shared all the folklore stories with our son. But there wasn’t much in form of illustration books. At that time, I decided to work on to publish theme based storytelling books,” said Mrs Kaur.

“Later, while teaching in a primary school in Wodonga, I was asked about my favourite childhood book. Do I‘ve one? I had no answer. ”

“I wanted our kids to bond with the Punjabi language...reading and storytelling not only helps promote language, literacy but also the brain development.”

Harpreet
Harpreet Kaur visited SBS's Melbourne studio with eminent poet Jaswant Singh Zafar (R) Source: Supplied

Harpreet says that 'Virasti Bohar' is one such effort where the illustrations and easy language will attract children of Punjabi-origin.

“It is important that we provide our children with the best literature in Punjabi.”

“I would encourage parents to spend time with children reading these type of books. It will not only promote bonding but will also help children develop social and communication skills.”

"This book is available in some of the libraries associated with Blackburn and Craigieburn based Gurdwara sahibs in Melbourne. Even I am happy to provide a copy to anyone interested."

"Please feel free to contact me or SBS Punjabi to get a copy for your children."

For more news and updates, follow SBS Punjabi on Facebook and Twitter.


2 min read

Published

Updated

By Preetinder Grewal



Share this with family and friends


Follow SBS Punjabi

Download our apps

Watch on SBS

Punjabi News

Watch now