Page 16: World book day

 Page 16: World book day ...

Thursday 4th March 2021 - World Book Day ... and my first as a student teacher (last year, sadly we were not on placement for World Book Day: This year, in my placement school we are pushing it back and celebrating after the 8th March (this is when schools are reopening after the covid closures), however, with most sharing world book day this week, I thought i'd post my page on the topic for this week.

Therefore with Thursday being the big day, I have decided to focus this weeks post on one of the most exciting literature days of the year. Reading is so important, and encouraging a passion for books and reading for pleasure from a young age is key for the development of every learner. With such fond world book day memories myself, I have split todays blog into two sections. Firstly sharing some of my world book day stories from primary school and some inspirational outfit ideas for yourself the teacher or for students, and secondly I have recommend a few of my favourites stories for each setting that can be used at any time (or a lovely themed week if this is what your school opts for)!

Every school approaches this day different. Some children dress as their favourite book character, whereas some classes have themes such as Harry Potter - where all pupils dress as witches and wizards. Although I love to see the creativity and passion that children have for literature characters and their individual love of books - enabling a school class theme as simple as pyjamas which could be stemmed from many books (such as the wonderful 'Pajama Day' by Robert Munsch), ensures the day is inclusive for all and that all children can participate. 

So first, my World Book Days...

1. The Classic Parade

One of my fondest memorable primary moments, was our annual World Book Day parade! On the day each year (always straight after break) all years would do a lap around the school and a walk across the stage and then sit for a special assembly. I loved showing off my costumes to my friends and seeing what everyone else had done. In my older primary years, I loved seeing the younger years costumes which always flooded waves of nostalgia from my previous favourite childhood tales from Hairy Maclary to The Very Hungary Caterpillar. There was always a vote of the best costume (I sadly never won), but it was always a bit of fun. A member of staff would always read a book to the whole school (usually something funny), and now looking from a teacher's perspective it is great to see how much literature can bring so many across different ages together. 

2. A few of my favourite costumes 

I was of course that child who nagged my parents for properly about at least a month before World Book Day for the process of picking my outfit. Although tricky, I have whittled it down to three of my most favourite. Firstly - Squirrel Nutkin from The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin by Beatrix Potter. After a family holiday to the Lake District and a visit to her home, I quickly became obsessed with the Potter boxset. I have to admit, my all time favourite was Jemima Puddle Duck but sourcing a costume was difficult - resultantly we went to my second favourite a recycled a costume I wore in a dance show. However much I loved this costume and story, the most memorable part of this day was everyone calling me Fantastic Mr Fox. Admitting it now, I for sure looked much more like this Dahl classic. On the theme of Dahl, one year in hand with my own Golden Ticket attached to some string around my neck, I wore my favourite dress and glittery tights, paired with a fake fur coat and squirrel stuffed toy I went as the one and only Veruca Salt from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This was a simple and effective costume using clothes that were in my wardrobe and a simple bit of crafting. This is easy for any pupil or teacher to recreate and a bonus that she is such as distinctive character. My last favourite for today is Chloe the Topaz Fairy from the Rainbow Magic boxset, The Jewel Fairies Series by Daisy Meadows. Again, a simple pair of wings that many have lying around in dressing up boxes and a route through the wardrobe for another simple outfit. What I most loved about this one was how personal it was. With so many great characters in the Rainbow Magic series, from each other picking your own name to a characters of one of the fairies, there is really something for everyone. My whole friendship group in primary dressed as 'our fairy', and reminiscing today this is a truly fond memory.

My favourite recommended World Book Day books ....

EYFS - The Very Hungary Caterpillar  by Eric Carle

From lots of simple costumes (teacher could dress up as the caterpillar and pupils to dress up as the fruits and foods from the book), there are many fab classroom activity ideas that can be based for the day. Many arts and crafts activities, food tasting and simple counting of the elements from the book - this is great to be adapted for continuous provision tasks in the EYFS.

Year 1&2 - Funny Bones by Janet and Allen Ahlberg

A lot of creativity is needed on a themed outfit for this tale, but this does not mean it cannot be done! If you have read my previous post where I recommended a few children's books I shared how much I loved this story a how:

 'I cannot describe this book as anything but jolly. When I think about this book it makes me smile. It sparks joy telling the story of a family of skeletons and their night adventures. The use of rhyme and repeating phrases is fabulous for encouraging class involvement and the use of talk. The light hearted story is a great talking point and can resultantly stem many lessons and activities. I also will point out, the use of speech is excellent and a great model for pupils when recognising a range of characters. '

Year 3&4 - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Dahl, is one of my favourite authors of all time. He has some mesmerising quotes that really sum up my feelings and passion towards literature. All Dahl books are great, but when thinking of a text appropriate (more year 4), after dressing up as Veruca Salt myself, this had to be the one. As well as lots of costume opportunities, many activities can be stemmed such as pupils writing there own Oompa Loompa songs which is a task I did myself in school and throughly enjoyed!

Yer 5&6 - The Railway Children by E Nesbit

This is a wonderful story about three children who leave London with their Mother to move to a small cottage in the country. I think this is a truly special story that portrays a great message to really get older primary pupils thinking and talking. I enjoyed this tale so much the book was often re-read and I was even fortunate enough to watch the stage show version at Waterloo Station London. Again, lots of great classroom potential such as cross curricular history links where 'old Britain' can be explored. 

I hope you have enjoyed reading this little bit of a different post this week and I loved sharing my passion for reading and excitement for World Book Day. If you are looking to do anything this week, share a new book with your class, yourself or family member. Happy Reading. I will end today with one of my favourite quotes about reading: 

"The more things you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, they more places you'll go" - Dr Seuss

- Miss Yeoman