Weekly update from Miss Earle
Pupils in years 7 & 8 have started participating in the national Readathon.
The charity Read for Good encourages children to read through its unique motivational approach inspiring reluctant readers to give reading a go, and keen readers to read more widely. Pupils can choose whatever they want to read - from comics to classics and audio books to blogs - they are not being assessed, it’s all about reading for fun.
And, they are motivated to read because the money they raise in sponsorship helps to provide a regular supply of brand new books and a resident storyteller to every major children’s hospital in the UK.
At this moment in our society, reading for pleasure, sharing stories, being able to escape our four walls through the pages of a book could be more important than ever. Reading can help with our mental health and well-being: reading for just 6 minutes has been shown to reduce stress levels by 68%. But more than that, taking time to share stories, losing ourselves in a book, travelling the high seas or the Milky Way from the comfort of a sofa might just be the tonic we all need.
As well as using real books, pupils can access fiction on the following links:
Enjoy the company of Chris Hemsworth, Meryl Streep, Eddie Redmayne and more reading Roald Dahl’s James and Giant Peach – it’s truly unique!
The brilliant author-illustrator Tom Percival reads a chapter from Attack of the Heebie Jeebies every day. It’s the most delightful way to get caught up in a great story! Thanks, Tom, and publisher Macmillan, for sharing!
J.K. Rowling and Audible have made Stephen Fry’s compelling narration of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone freely available. Nearly ten hours of pure listening joy!
Oak Academy and the NLT have opened a Virtual School Library to keep children reading during lockdown. This week’s featured author on Oak Academy Library is Nizrana Farouk. Pupils can read or listen to The Girl Who Stole an Elephant completely FREE, watch an exclusive video about Nizrana's new book, discover her top three children's books and read an interview all about reading.
In addition, Audible have made a whole range of books available to listen to for free. Perfect for struggling and reluctant readers.
Rydal Penrhos Readathon started on Tuesday 26 January, and will conclude on World Book Day on 7 March.
I look forward to discussing the books they are reading/listening to in tutor periods each week.
Miss Earle