08.10.2020

Beacon Talks proposes a reflection on the importance of reading and literature in the training of young people

On October 7th, Beacon Talks addressed the importance of encouraging reading at school and at home and the impact of the works chosen for working with students, especially in decisions and learning for life. The Live was part of the Beacon School Literary Week program (October 5-9).

The guest was the writer, editor, and translator Rodrigo Lacerda, author of the book “O Fazedor de Velhos” – studied by the Year 8 classes -, who spoke with our Portuguese and French Middle School teacher, Losana Prado.

Lacerda introduced the theme by emphasizing the difference between reading and literature, which, although close, do not necessarily represent the same concept. “You can be a great reader of many subjects, but you don’t necessarily appreciate literature. The expressive and artistic capacity of the language usually finds its privileged space in literature”.

The book “O Fazedor de Velhos” guided the chat. The work addresses the passage of the character Pedro to adulthood, discovering his first passion and finding in literature a way to seek answers. Sometimes humorous, sometimes emotional, the book dialogues with readers of all ages. “Pedro is a reader of the classics and falls in love with a girl who has completely different readings. I tried to make the two readers, with such different sensibilities, understand each other’s taste patterns, which we need to do in everything in life. Literature is about that.  You are looking for a work that fits your sensitivity,” says Lacerda.

According to Pedro, his interpretation of the book, although not necessarily the best one, presents a more humorous tone at first that works as a cover for the character’s anguish and anxiety. Throughout the story, some of the questions already answered, and this, in a way, calms his anxiety a little.

Regarding reading at school, Lacerda pointed out that it is natural for these institutions to work with more canonical literature, precisely for teaching the Brazilian literary tradition to understand the other writers outside later. To encourage reading, he guarantees: “Give them (children) an example. Perhaps if the son is very fond of football, it makes sense that the father offers stories about the sport to encouraged him to read. Although the school can play this role, which is extremely important, if the child does not receive any encouragement from the family, they will not see an important value in reading.”

Click here to watch the Live on Beacon School IGTV.