Reading for Pleasure website page At St John's, we believe in fostering the love of reading for pleasure in our students. We understand the immense value that reading brings to a child's development, not only academically but also emotionally and socially. Here at St John's, we have developed a comprehensive approach to promote reading enjoyment among our students, ensuring that we give all children the chance to become lifelong readers.

 

Some of the ways in which we develop reading for pleasure include:

 

• Celebrating Reading Days: We embrace events like World Book Day and National Storytelling Week, where students immerse themselves in the magical world of literature through various activities and dress-up days.

• Encouraging Book Talk: Through initiatives like 'Tell Me What You're Reading...', we create a culture where students share their reading experiences, recommendations, and thoughts on different books, fostering a sense of community.

• Displaying Recommended Reads: Our classrooms and the school is adorned with displays showcasing recommended reads, enticing students to explore new books/ genres.

• Participating in Reading Buddies: Students engage in Reading Buddies, fostering peer-to-peer reading support and encouraging collaborative learning.

• Library Visits: We provide regular visits to the local library, encouraging exploration and discovery of new authors and stories.

• Author Visits: We participate in virtual and in person authors visits, providing students with the opportunity to interact with writers firsthand.

• Reading Cafes: We host reading cafes, creating cosy environments where students can relax and delve into the pages of their favourite books with family members.

• Celebrating Reading Achievements: Through platforms like REN learn, we acknowledge and celebrate our students' reading accomplishments, motivating them to set and achieve their reading goals.

• School Library: We’re lucky to have our own library, stocked with a diverse selection of books catering to all interests and reading levels, fostering independent reading habits.

• Teachers as Readers: Our teachers lead by example, demonstrating their own love for reading and sharing their favourite books and stories with students.

 

 

As parents and carers, you can help encourage your child’s reading for pleasure journey by:

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• Creating Opportunities for Reading: Encourage reading at home by providing dedicated time and space for your child to enjoy their books without distractions.

• Joining the Local Library: Take advantage of your community's resources by joining the local library, where your child can access an extensive selection of books and participate in library events.

• Reading Together: Foster a love for reading by reading aloud to your child or engaging in shared reading activities, where you can discuss books and stories together.

• Introducing Book Talk: Encourage conversations about books by asking your child about their reading experiences, favourite characters, and plot twists, fostering critical thinking and communication skills.

• Providing a Variety of Reading Material: Offer a diverse range of reading materials to cater to your child's interests and help them explore different genres and topics (these can be from school or your local library, and even accessed on platforms like Audible or MyOn). At St John's Church School, we believe that nurturing a love for reading goes beyond academic achievement; it enriches lives, broadens horizons, and fosters empathy and understanding. Join us in our mission to inspire a lifelong passion for reading in every child.