I have now attended two Edge Grove Open Days and on each occasion it has been my delight to meet with prospective families and talk about our approach to reading here at Edge Grove. Most parents share with me that their children love to read, but there are a few whose children can be reluctant to pick up a book, or who seem to be stuck on one author or on one particular genre, and parents ask me what they can do. When we are all so aware of the benefits of reading, it can be a challenge as parents to know how to relight that enthusiasm for reading, or tempt children to read a book that lies beyond their natural choice. At times like this, school can help.
This week we are celebrating World Book Day on Thursday 3rd March, and we have a series of events that have been put together this week to celebrate books and reading. Meeting an author, and hearing the stories that inspired a book, can give a reluctant reader the nudge that is needed to try reading something new and make the reading experience a bit more special. We are delighted to welcome school parent and children’s author, Jasmine Richards, who will be running workshops for Year 4 and talking to them about her new book published later this year:
The Unmorrow Curse, Jasmine Richards Publication: May 2022 Age range: Middle grade Paperback/hardcover: 332 pages Quicklinks to pre-order: Waterstones
Pre-School and Pre Prep will hear from authors Rob Biddulph, Steve Anthony and Lydia Monks; Year 5 and Year 6 will have an imagination workshop and Year 7 and Year 8 will hear from Robert Muchamore. His book, ‘Robin Hood’, will be available at the Upper School book sale.
Research tells us that book ownership improves engagement with reading for pleasure and so I am holding book sales in the main library for all phases of the school from Pre-School to Upper School. New books, both fiction and non-fiction (chosen to support the curriculum), are half price, and sales will help to support new book purchases for school libraries. Refreshments will be served whilst you browse and I will be delighted to see you there and recommend books for your children.
HALF PRICE BOOK SALES - MAIN LIBRARY
Wednesday 2nd March - Year 5 to Year 8 during match tea Thursday 3rd March - Pre-School to Year 2 Parents 8.45am to 9.15am Thursday 3rd March - Year 3 and Year 4 during match tea
Children will be given a World Book Day token which can either be swapped for one of the World Book Day books available in supermarkets and book shops, or used to get a reduction of £1 on any book from a reputable book seller. When children have the choice of what to read, enthusiasm for reading increases.
The National Literacy Trust has published ‘What to read Next’ when children have read their World Book Day book and want something similar, and I have also published new Reading Roads on The Source (under Learning and Reading) to help children find books with favourite themes to read as they travel through school.
https://cdn.literacytrust.org.uk/media/documents/World_Book_Day_What_To_Read_Next.pdf?mc_cid=814fbd3615&mc_eid=8bf6eb6ac4
Reading for pleasure is vital for success at school and beyond. If you have questions regarding reading and reading for pleasure, please do contact your child’s teacher or me Jane Broadis on jbroadis@edgegrove.com.