Last Tuesday, I had the pleasure of visiting the Future Schools Fair held in the Sports Hall. Not only did I come away with numerous new stationery items, but I spent over two hours chatting with representatives from the senior schools and learning what they most valued in prospective students. My question to each school was, ‘As Head of English, how can I better prepare Edge Grove pupils in English?’ The instant response from every Headteacher, Deputy and Admissions tutor was ‘Encourage them to read - we want readers!’
Their second wish was for children who are curious and knowledgeable about the world around them. They shared that they were not just impressed by good readers; they are looking for children who are passionate readers - children who love books, can converse about their reading, have in-depth knowledge of authors, can share their favourite books and justify their reading choices. Poetry was also mentioned - children who know the work of a range of poets beyond Rosen, Donaldson and Zephaniah, and enjoy poetry, stand out from the crowd.
As the festive season approaches, I therefore encourage you to support your children’s reading when you are buying gifts. This time last year, I shared a list of magazines and newspapers that you can subscribe to. This year, I am focusing on only three and I am expecting to take delivery of some free copies to give away on Saturday at the Christmas Fair so please visit the book stall in the Sports Hall, where you can consider a subscription and also buy books at a 50% discount or less from the RRP.
First News: 7-14 years
First news fuels curiosity, inspires debate, and supports children’s critical thinking - I love it! The weekly paper is written by award-winning journalists and takes the fear out of sensationalised stories providing a balanced and truthful view of the world, carefully and sensitively explaining context and background. Coupled with Newsround, First News gives children the knowledge to help them to form opinions and express themselves confidently on current affairs topics and the world in which they are living. It is perfect in providing children with the knowledge to tackle interview questions on current affairs when they visit senior schools.
https://www.firstnews.co.uk/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpw3ztr-_y_PcTpPQxLIy-w
Storytime Magazine: 6-10 years
I like Storytime Magazine because I’ve seen just how much children in years 3 and 4 love it. Every genre of writing is featured from myths and legends, classic and modern stories, as well as poetry. The magazine is well produced, well written and has no plastic gimmicks. Reading the Storytime Magazine helps children with their imaginative writing, supports understanding of the conventions of story writing, and provides a great bedtime reading resource for parents.
https://www.storytimemagazine.com/kids-magazine-subscriptions/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ldAf8owU_U&t=10s
Britannica Magazine: 6 years-106 years
Britannica Magazine is a fabulous new general knowledge magazine full of engaging facts, photos and illustrations. Children can discover new topics that interest them and submit questions and jokes for publication. This magazine fuels curiosity and interest and is perfect for children who are particular fans of non-fiction.
https://britannicamagazine.co.uk/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cPtgAfwC4Y
Other useful lists for help you in selecting fiction have been produced by Scott Evans, The Reader Teacher. Click on the images below to be taken to the book lists for each age group:
See you at the Christmas Fair Book Stall, Saturday 26th, 11am-3pm in the Sports Hall!
#Pre-Loved Books #NewBooks #Fiction #NonFiction #Children’sBooks #AdultBooks, #MagazineSubscriptions #AcademicSupportMaterials
Finally, I am delighted to be able to share an on-line book created by Miss Senior and Mr Kay to showcase the Spooky Writing of our finalists and category winners. Please follow the link here.
