Reading at St Mary's

“If you are going to get anywhere in life you have to read lots of books”- Roald Dahl

“A book is a dream that you hold in your hands.” – Neil Gaiman

“Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.”- Mason Cooley

Supporting Reading at Home

At St Mayr’s, we recognise the importance of teachers and parents/ carers working together to give children the best start in life. Regularly reading at home with your child is one of the best and most important ways in which you can help them! It will enable them develop their language and communication skills, broaden their vocabulary knowledge and understanding of the wider world as well as boosting their reading confidence. Below you will find some useful tips and advice on how you can help to support your child with reading at home.

Bedtime Stories

Links to listen to and share stories at home:

BOOK TRUST: https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/have-some-fun/storybooks-and-games/ 

CBEEBIES: https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/shows/bedtime-stories

STORY NORY: https://www.storynory.com/

BBC TEACH: https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/school-radio/audio-stories/zh3t2sg

Book Recommendations 

At St Mary’s we want to encourage children to develop a love for reading, with this is mind, please find a range of recommended books below. Each of the ‘Year Group Recommended Reads’ contain 50 books specifically picked out for reading at pleasure, from Nursery to Year 6. Each list offers a balance of genres and styles.

Curricular Enrichment Activities

World Book Day 2024

At St Mary’s we are extremely passionate about reading and promoting a love for reading! Therefore, one day did not seem like long enough to celebrate ‘World Book Day’ so instead, we decided to dedicate a whole week to celebrate the occasion! Our families joined us as we transformed our hall into ‘Starbooks: here, families could enjoy a cuppa, cake and book together.

We also held our annual dress up day where children were able to come to school dressed as their favourite characters. This is always one of our favourite days of the school year! Staff also got into the spirit. 

We held a story time session where all teachers selected either a book or some poetry which they wanted to share with the children. All children chose which teacher they wanted to listen to. Stories included: The Witches, Room on the Broom, A Squash and a Squeeze and The Tale of Beedle and Bard amongst others!

Michael Rosen’s Big 50 Years Show

Year 4, 5 *& 6 joined together to watch the Michael Rosen ‘Big 50 Years Show’. He was absolutely brilliant (and hilarious)! We loved listening to his funny poems and stories including Chocolate Cake and My Dad Knows Everything. He was very animated and used lots of sound effects in his poetry. Michael spoke to us about hyperboles, choruses and rhythm and rhyme.