For the second time, the International Pedagogical Academy of Preschool Education organized Educator's Day within the fair. The inclusion of this event in the international book forum’s program is first and foremost a mark of deep respect for teachers and recognition of the crucial role of preschool education.
The growing popularity of Educator's Day is confirmed by both statistics (over 700 professionals registered) and the lively atmosphere—packed halls, active dialogues with speakers, grateful applause, and enthusiastic feedback.
This year’s program featured a series of engaging events:
The Path to Books Begins with Love
The roundtable "Books and Upbringing, or How Adults Read Children’s Books" brought together writers, librarians, publishers, journalists, and scholars. Renowned experts in children’s literature participated, including:
- Elfiya Dorofeeva, CEO of Mozaika-Sintez Publishing.
- Natalia Volkova, children’s author.
- Tatyana Rudishina, Head Librarian at the Gaidar Central Children’s Library.
- Dmitry Gasin, writer and educator.
Moderated by Ekaterina Asonova, PhD in Pedagogy and Head of the Sociocultural Educational Practices Lab at MGPU, the discussion explored the role of children’s books in upbringing, how adults perceive them, and why revisiting children’s literature — both with kids and independently—matters. Speakers also highlighted evolving reading trends, relevant themes, and the responsibility of adults in selecting books for young readers. The consensus was clear: reading with children is essential. Through characters, children learn kindness, fairness, and empathy—books help them understand emotions and adapt socially, while shared reading strengthens parent-child bonds.
Book + Theater = Magic! Turning Reading into an Adventure
A special focus was placed on play-based learning.
The highlight was a captivating masterclass by Irina Berkovskaya, educational psychologist and director of the children’s musical-drama theater Akademiya. She immersed participants in the enchanting world of theater and play, drawing inspiration fr om beloved fairy tales.
"A play isn’t just a stage—it’s a space wh ere children learn to be themselves through stories. We don’t follow scripts; we follow moods. That’s the real magic of childhood!" —Irina.
Theater, as a realm of wonder, lets children freely express emotions and explore their individuality.
Berkovskaya’s workshop showcased the power of dramatization and role-playing in education, featuring exercises like:
- "Name with a Letter": Kids invent character names based on given traits.
- "Retelling a Fairy Tale": Children narrate familiar stories from a side character’s perspective, fostering empathy.
These methods don’t just entertain—they deepen text comprehension, emotional intelligence, and communication skills.
Why Children Need Books About Diverse Characters
A keynote lecture by Evgeny Krasheninnikov, Associate Professor at MSU’s Faculty of Psychology, provided a thought-provoking counterpoint. He addressed pressing questions about children’s reading habits, emphasizing:
"Children must read books featuring characters different from themselves. Stories that challenge their perspectives help them grow emotionally and spiritually, teaching them about other lives and struggles."
His research-backed insights highlighted how literature expands children’s worlds.
Book Showcase & Literary Quiz
The "New Books for Kindergarten" presentation, part of the "Three Books for the Price of Two" promo, became a valuable guide for educators and parents navigating modern children’s literature.
A lively literary quiz sparked creativity, tested knowledge of beloved books, and offered fresh perspectives on classic characters.
Conclusion
Among 400+ fair events, Educator’s Day stood out—for its audience engagement, rich programming, and mission: to equip teachers with a treasure trove of wise, kind, and inspiring books, turning them into passionate guides for young readers.
The conversation will continue at the next Non/fiction fair, further exploring preschool education’s role, the power of books in shaping values, and nurturing a lifelong love of reading.