Reading Revolution

This year at IVJS we are having a Reading Revolution and have invited all children at our school to participate.  The overall aim of our Reading Revolution is to develop a love of reading in every child.  We not only want to develop a lifelong love of reading in our learners for their enjoyment, but also realise that reading can broaden vocabulary, increase general knowledge and develop a better understanding of other cultures.  We hope that by raising the profile of reading we can engage any reluctant readers and broaden the variety of books accessible to others who already have the ‘reading bug’. We have planned at least one reading event each month to ensure there is something for everyone. 

Our first task at the end of the last academic year was to rejuvenate our library.  We employed a fantastic children’s librarian to help us with this endeavour.  Firstly, she audited our book stock and then advised us on which titles and authors would be most engaging for our young readers.  We had a fantastic reopening ceremony and the children are much happier with their library now.

In September, our first event was to ensure that as many children as possible had access to local libraries.  We were lucky enough to get the local library manager to come and sign children up one week before and after school.  He also returned with the new library cards and issued them to the children who were excited to go and see what the library had to offer.  Whilst he was here, he also handed out certificates to those children who participated in the summer reading challenge which we had promoted in July. 

In October, we took on a fantastic new member of staff – Dudley the reading dog!  Reading to dogs has been proven to help children develop literacy skills and build confidence.  This comforting environment helps to nurture children's enthusiasm for reading and provides them with the confidence needed to read aloud. 

In November, our event was called ‘Reading Rocks!’ The library was open one morning before school.  Children and parents were invited to come and share some of their favourite books together with a cup of tea and a biscuit.
 
In December we had a very busy month with two events.  The first was ‘PJs, Hot Chocolate and a Good Book!’  All the children returned to school in their pyjamas or onesies (not forgetting to bring their teddies) and had a wonderful evening reading to one another. The second event was ‘Books and Baking’ each class had the opportunity to bake and decorate some festive favourites.  Once all the baking and decorating was completed they enjoyed their delicious creations whilst their teacher shared a story with them.

We are now very much looking forward to World Book Day which is always a fantastic, fulfilled day at IVJS. 

​We hope you enjoy our display which is a celebration of what our Reading Revolution has had to offer…so far.