The Magic of Reading

There’s something truly magical about reading, a magic that we at In Spanish had the pleasure of celebrating during Children’s Book Week. This year’s theme, "Reading is Magic," couldn’t have been more fitting, bringing our classrooms to life with the stories of Mafalda, a beloved character from Argentine comics.

Together with our students, we explored the world of this endearing little girl and her friends, a fun and engaging way to learn Spanish in context. Once again, this experience demonstrated that reading is more than just words on a page; it’s a gateway to magic, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the world around us, with a tremendous power to inspire and transform.

As an educator and mother, this week reminded me of the lifelong journey that reading offers. It is a journey I have cherished since childhood, one that I have strived to pass on to my students in the classroom and to my daughters, Ana and Sofía, at home.

Each night, since they were very young, we would gather with a book in hand, embarking on adventures in Spanish. Recently, we travelled the globe in “La vuelta al mundo en 80 días” (Around the world in 80 days), marvelling at the wonders of the world through the eyes of Jules Verne.

Reflecting on these moments, I can’t help but compare the time we spend immersed in books with the time many spend scrolling through social media. In a world where screens dominate much of our attention, it’s easy to forget the simple joys of a good book. But the benefits of reading go far beyond mere entertainment.

Reading nurtures our imagination, expands our vocabulary, and strengthens our critical thinking skills. It’s an exercise for the mind that no app or social media platform can replicate. When we read, we are not just passively consuming content; we are actively engaging with ideas, exploring new perspectives, and developing a deeper understanding of the world and ourselves.

For my daughters and my students, these reading sessions are more than just a way to learn Spanish; they are an opportunity to connect, share stories and dreams, and cultivate a love for learning. It is a tradition I value deeply because I know the lasting impact it can have. I hope it is a gift that will stay with them for life.

So, as we close another wonderful Children’s Book Week, I encourage you to pick up a book, whether for yourself or to share with a loved one. Let’s not forget that in a world full of constant distractions, the simple act of reading remains one of the most powerful tools we have to connect, learn, and grow.

Let’s continue spreading the magic of reading—one story at a time. Happy reading!