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EXETER JUNIOR SCHOOL WORLD BOOK DAY:
Reading Around the World
T
hursday 7 March saw World Book Day 2019 set in motion with the pitter patter of purple paws, a clattering of clogs and international inventiveness in abundance, as our playground teemed with vibrant characters from a multitude of countries, the world over. Pupils delighted each other by parading their book character costumes on stage to a range of international themed ‘pop’ songs, accompanied by much singing, dancing, clapping and hilarity; all in the name of literature. Junior School staff contributed their own international attire, even performing a version, or possibly ‘a vision’, of the Macarena. An exciting whole school reading initiative was launched by Junior School pupil librarians, to encourage wider reading of different cultures and characters with different nationalities. Each pupil was given a passport in which they could collect flags, associated with their chosen books. In celebration of World Book Day, classes were each given a box of books from around the world to choose from. Once eight flags were collected, pupils had read
their way around the world, totalling their kilometres travelled as they went. Certificates were awarded in assembly and passports added to our ‘Reading Around the World’ book display in the Hall. A wonderful treat was in store, as we welcomed back much-loved storyteller, Katy Cawkwell, to conduct workshops and perform interactive stories from the far corners of the globe. Our librarians attended a specially tailored workshop based on The Man Who Looked for Luck; enthusiastically retelling this story as a group. At lunchtime, the journey around the world resumed, as meals were devoured from all over the world and culinary fancies from different countries were appraised. Pupils made flags to identify the international cuisines and had much fun identifying them, not mention munching them. The creation of a whole school collaborative book was embarked upon: Around the World in 180 Days, in which each pupil has written their
The more you read, the more things you’ll know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go. DR SEUSS
own fictional piece of writing, detailing their excursions to amazing sightseeing wonders. The book is about a journey around the world and experiences in different countries. Pupils enjoyed finding out about their country and specific places to visit. They spent
time researching the geography, the locals, the culture, food, climate and places to visit. This will be a book to be treasured, with contributions from every pupil and a novel way to ‘Read Around the World!’ BY MRS HARDY
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