Each morning, from Monday to Friday, a group of children in La Orotava have a special gathering which they rarely miss, aiming to be punctual. Mateo, Ismael, Lucas, Cande, Ricardo, and Beatriz meet at eight o’clock to play goose and ludo before heading to their classes at La Milagrosa school.
They gather at El Aula bookstore, located just across the street, where they have their own reserved space, arranged by José Manuel Oliva, the owner for 14 years. He encourages them to engage in games and reading, as they also spend time exploring books, each with their own preferences. Cande enjoys history books while Lucas prefers comedic and light-hearted reads.
This routine has been a part of their lives for over two years, coinciding with their schooling – all in the fourth grade except for the youngest, Mateo, who was introduced to the group through his brother, Ismael. They often play two or even three games, with Riqui and Bea usually emerging as the victors, as agreed upon by the rest of the group.
Upon arrival, they eagerly greet José Manuel, who has already opened the bookstore half an hour earlier. Even their parents have come to appreciate this ritual, waiting for the children outside, taking shelter under the wall during rainy days so as not to disrupt this beautiful initiative.
Carolina, Lucas’s mother, has a long-standing acquaintance with ‘Jose’ and recalls how the boys, previously causing disturbance by playing outside, were guided into the bookstore to read and play games, eventually leading to the daily gatherings that Jose thoughtfully facilitated.
Games like Goose and Parcheesi hold a nostalgic charm for adults who grew up with them, but their benefits in the educational development of children are undeniable. These traditional games encourage group play, offering valuable opportunities that might not be available to only children or those consumed by screens at home.
In El Aula, the children come together, learning to organize themselves and respect the rules of the game, even when disagreements arise.
Initially, their parents had concerns about the potential disruption to Jose Manuel’s work with clients. However, they were pleasantly surprised as the children adapted well to the environment, showing freedom and respect, as noted by Elena, Cande’s mother, and Carolina, who patiently wait for their children along with Marta, Ismael, and Mateo’s mother, and Pedro, Ricardo and Beatriz’s father. Despite her young age, Beatriz confidently expresses her desire to carry on the business in the future.
They often offer to assist Jose, showing their appreciation for the welcoming space. He also initiated a reading routine where each child reads a page from a book, emphasizing the importance of sharing and enjoying the experience together.
When the children displayed more enthusiasm towards a small magnetized Parcheesi, Jose decided to purchase a larger one exclusively for their use.
Having managed the bookstore for close to fifteen years, Jose previously worked in a different commercial sector but saw the opportunity to take over the business when its previous owner decided to transfer it. His fondness for paper and ink, stemming from helping his uncle at a printing press during his childhood, influenced his decision to embrace this venture.
The bookstore initially stood a few meters away from its current location on Emilio Luque Moreno Avenue, relocating in 2019 due to its age. A year later, the Covid-19 pandemic struck, presenting unforeseen economic and social challenges. Despite these obstacles, Jose persevered, adapting to the limitations posed by digital platforms, and maintaining his unwavering dedication.
Hosting book signings, presentations, and storytelling sessions, Jose continuously organises diverse cultural events to engage audiences and promote reading. El Aula stands out as more than just a bookstore, aiming to differentiate itself and succeed in doing so.
Jose admits that the joyful faces of the children inspire him to open the store daily, hoping that other businesses near schools would follow suit, creating a similar success.
Amidst the overwhelming influence of screens, these six little revolutionaries of goose and ludo stand as a testament to resilience and a beacon of hope.
