Reading for Pleasure

The library in Bourne Elsea Park really is a place for children to continue to develop their love of books and reading. The library was opened by the inspirational Mike Dilger (who you may recognise from the BBC’s The One Show) in 2018 after an enormous amount of work from numerous supporters and contributors.

These included:

Mrs Moore and her inspirational vision
Our wonderful Governors and their financial support
Local libraries who invited us in and gave us advice
The Nottinghamshire Library Service and Peters Books who guided us through the overwhelming world of ordering and organising our books
Chris Green and his ability to bring 2D walls alive!
Brian Watts who worked so hard to construct our fabulous library

We are so proud of our library and its awesome WOW factor, and we love sharing this beautiful space with our classes.

Reading for pleasure opens up new worlds for children. It gives them the opportunity to use their imagination to explore new ideas, visit new places and meet new characters. Interestingly, reading for pleasure also improves children’s well-being and empathy. It helps them to understand their own identity, and gives them an insight into the world and the views of others.

At Bourne Elsea Park Church of England Primary Academy, we are committed to fostering a love of reading among our students. Through a variety of engaging activities, we aim to develop reading for pleasure and instil a lifelong passion for literature. Here’s how our activities contribute to this goal:

A regular reading newsletter

– Activity: Regular newsletters that include reading highlights and tips for parents and carers.

– Impact: Celebrates reading achievements and keeps the school community informed and engaged with ongoing literacy initiatives.

Reading Café

– Activity: Scheduled events where students and parents can come together to read and discuss books in a café-style setting.

– Impact: Promotes a social and relaxed environment for reading, encouraging family involvement and making reading a shared pleasure.

Library Use

– Activity: Regular, scheduled visits to the school library.

– Impact: Provides students with access to a wide range of books, fostering independent reading and helping them discover personal interests.

Reading for Pleasure Book

– Activity: Dedicated time and resources for students to choose and read books purely for enjoyment.

– Impact: Encourages students to find joy in reading without the pressure of assignments or assessments.

Flyers to promote daily reading “20 is Plenty”

– Activity: Flyers promoting the “20 is Plenty” reading challenge, encouraging students to read for 20 minutes each day.

– Impact: Reinforces daily reading habits and motivates students to share their reading experiences and accomplishments.

6.Reading Incentives

– Activity: Reading incentives, such as a reading raffle, for children who regularly engage in reading activities.

– Impact: Provides motivation and rewards for regular reading, creating a positive reinforcement loop.

Reading Ambassadors

– Activity: Older children who promote reading and help organise literacy events.

– Impact: Empowers students to take leadership roles and serve as reading role models for their peers.

World Book Day

– Activity: A special day dedicated to celebrating books and reading, with activities like dressing up as book characters.

– Impact: Generates excitement and enthusiasm around reading, making it a fun and memorable event.

Mystery Reader

– Activity: Surprise guest readers to read to the children.

– Impact: Adds an element of surprise and excitement to reading, encouraging curiosity and engagement.

Reading Journals

– Activity: Children keep a class journal to record their thoughts and reflections on books they read.

– Impact: Encourages deeper engagement with texts and helps develop critical thinking and reflective skills.

Special Reading Boxes and shelves

-Activity: A curated box of special books that students can borrow for home reading.

– Impact: Provides children with access to high-interest books, making reading at home more appealing.

By integrating these activities into our curriculum, Bourne Elsea Park C of E Primary Academy is dedicated to making reading a pleasurable and integral part of our children’s lives. We believe that instilling a love of reading early on lays the foundation for lifelong learning and curiosity.

Useful websites for parents:

https://ounews.co/education-languages-health/childhood-youth/reading-with-children-7-steps-to-making-it-magical/

Bourne Elsea Park Church Of England Primary Academy

Welcome to Bourne Elsea Park C of E Primary Academy

Reading for Pleasure