Here we are, ready (or may be not!) for World Book Day this week in the UK. It is often tradition for school children to dress up as their favourite book character and over 100 countries participate in World Book Day, when children of all ages come together to share the joy of reading for pleasure. World Book Day was created by UNESCO on 23rd April 1995 as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, although there had been other book celebration days held over previous years. The UK and Ireland joined World Book Day in 1997, so on 3rd March 2022 they celebrate 25 years of making this a special day.
Most countries participate in World Book Day on 23rd April, however in the UK, that date could clash with the school Easter holidays and the celebrations of St George’s Day. Therefore, it was decided that the event would be held in the UK on the first Thursday in March each year. World Book Day is a charity sponsored by National Book Tokens and children are presented with a £1 book token to offer every child and young person the opportunity to have a book of their own. The token can be used as part payment for a book of their choice or to buy a specially printed £1 book.
The website https://www.worldbookday.com has put together some 10 minute videos of authors, (including children’s favourite Michael Morpurgo) reading excerpts from their books on https://www.worldbookday.com/10-minute-story-shares/ Have a look around the World Book Day website as there are lots of interesting and helpful ideas such as their ‘World of Stories’ where you can enjoy free audio books https://www.worldbookday.com/world-of-stories/. Everybody can enjoy stories and audio books are a really useful resource, especially for the dyslexic learner to access more books for enjoyment and in order for them to expand their vocabulary. Check out the ‘World book day you tube channel’ for more enjoyable videos including ‘Share a Story Corner’.
Free Nessy Programme – Be quick, 1 week only!
Nessy’s programme ‘Hairy Reading’ is FREE to celebrate World Book Day! For the 25th anniversary of World Book Day, Nessy is doing something pretty fabulous. For one week only, any child, anywhere in the world, can get Hairy Reading for free. Nessy know that to develop a love of books, children first need to learn to read well. To learn to read well, they need to be explicitly taught. Nessy will give any child in the world, a free licence of the early literacy program ‘Hairy Reading’ from March 1st – 7th. Based upon the Science of Reading, it begins with PA and phonics, but doesn’t stop there. Hairy Reading develops readers, by teaching ALL the pillars of literacy – phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. For ages 4-6. *One week only March 1st – 7th. One free licence per family account available at nessy.com. *Schools can register for classroom access here and will be set up manually by March 15th.
Phonics Training by the Phonics Queen
Don’t forget to join the Facebook group ‘Phonics Queen’ as Natasha is ready to do lots of new training soon, including a free one off live zoom on Wednesday, 30th March explaining why phonics is not just for Early Years or KS1. More details on her facebook page.
Dyslexia Masterclass for parents 16th March 19:00 – 20:30 GMT
About this free event
Join Sharon Hall and Dyslexia Scotland West Lothian Branch on Zoom for a whistle-stop tour of what dyslexia is and how you can support your child.
This free event will cover:
• Dyslexia – what to look for, how it may affect your child
• Homework – practical strategies and resources to use with your child at home
• Building self confidence
• Study skills – tips and tricks
• Understanding the education system
Go to Eventbrite to register https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dyslexia-masterclass-for-parents-tickets-274885047577?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
Have a great week, whatever you are up to. I am off now to get my outfit sorted for World Book Day! PJ 🙂
Follow your dreams,
Believe in yourself and
Don’t give up …
Help your child learn to read, write and spell 