On Thursday 6th March we celebrated World Book day. S1, 2 and 3 were shown the Scottish Book Trust Authors Live ‘on Demand’ video of an interview with and presentation by Phil Earle. Phil is a well-respected children’s author. I the video he talked about different ways to be a reader and his own reading journey from non-reader to reader, yet remaining a reluctant reader. He emphasised that reading is not just about books and words on pages, but can be magazines, comics and graphic novels, the internet. He also spoke about where he gets his inspiration for creative writing from as well as touching on characters and charater creation. He recommended people to get their heads out of their phones and just look and listen in the world around as that is where stories come from. He talked about this in context with his books When the Sky Falls (I personally loved this book – Andersen Press, 2021. ISBN 978-1783449651) and While the Storm Rages (Andersen Press, 2022. ISBN 978-1839132056)

Comments from pupil survey

• “The most interesting thing I learned from Phil Earle was that he writes his stories using real life stories and makes them interesting by asking “What if?”.” (S1)
• “I learned that inspiration can come from anything.” (S2)
• Phil said he didn’t like books as a kid, but now he writes them and really likes it. (S3)
• “He used to hate reading but he now inspires young people to read and write by writing books.” (S3)
• “How ideas for writing can be found in everyday life.” (S3)
• “You can read comics and still be a ‘reader’.” (S3)
• “That writing is playtime.” (S2)
• “I learned that it is just not books you can read.” (S1)
• “I like that even though he found reading novels hard, he still foubnd ways to read and enjoys writing his own novels.” (S1)
• “You don’t have to be a good reader to become an author. Reading inclucdes audio books and listening to others reading aloud.” (S2)
• “I think I liked that it wasn’t so much pushing the idea of reading onto us and more giving us his story which is more inspiring.” (S2)
• “I thought he was really engaging and entertaining. (S2)”
• “I hadn’t heard of the books before and now I might read them. (S3)”
  

Library at Lunchtime

We had a gathering in the library open to all pupils and staff. This year we themed it as a book cafe. Usually during this type of event (Spooky Happenings, National Poetry Day), snacks are on offer. This year’s WBD event was themed as a Book Cafe. Hot chocolate, cake (from canteen, and a pupil donation of some delicious ginger flapjack) and snacks were on offer to participants.

Over 30 minutes or so, we had some conversations on our reading, a collection of new books were promoted, and Mrs Sinclair (Librarian) and Stella, the pupil Library Leader (prefect) shared there current and favoutite reading. Some folk just sat and listened. Others took a hot chocolate and found a corner to quietly read. Some just came for the snacks and hot chocolate… yes it is an incentive. It brings people into the library who normally wouldn’t visit, thus allow Mrs Sinclair and other staff to open up conversations about reading and books.  Even to the extent to let pupils see and recognise that we as adults, might also be reluctant readers at times. Mrs Sinclair herself has had a long lull in reading, but through recommendations from students and staff (thank you Mr Barber for the loan of Uprooted by Naomi Novik) the reading enthusiasm has returned.

We are very aware, reading is not a top priority, or even a priority at all, for many of our young people but it is important we continue to promote reading, regardless of format (books, eBooks, graphic novels, magazines, internet, etc.) as it has such an impact on all aspects of life, none the least helping towards enabling pupils to access the curriuculum and improve grades. It is also recognised that reading for pleaseure improves mental health.  Events like World Book Day are just one means of promoting reading. It is one day of the year, however reading and the enjoyment of reading is for everyday.
To top it all, the canteed got into the spirit of World Book Day and made Gruffalo muffins; Apple crumble with chocolate sauce drizzled over the top. Yum!

Book Jenga

This week, our S1 to 3 classes have also have the opportunity to explore there thoughts on reading through the means of Book Jenga. In groups they were allowed to play Jenga in the usual way, but with a twist. Every time a block was pulled from the tower, the pupils had to read out the book or reading realted question written on the block. Each member of the group had to answer it and have a short discussion. It is certainly a different way of encourage discussion about books between pupils and staff who also get involved.

Some Resources on reading

Sla.org.uk. (2024). Reading for Pleasure. [online] Available at: https://www.sla.org.uk/get-everyone-reading [Accessed 7 Mar. 2025].

Scottish Book Trust. (2024). Why is reading especially important for teens? [online] Available at: https://www.scottishbooktrust.com/articles/why-is-reading-especially-important-for-teens?%20-%20Scottish%20Book%20Trust  [Accessed 7 Mar. 2025].

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