Newington primary pupils set for a year of reading

Stories at Newington

A love of books and stories means pupils at Newington Community Primary School in Ramsgate are never lost for words.

To celebrate this the school has declared the next 12 months as Newington’s Year of Reading 2018, where children and teachers will further explore its already high profile literacy drive.

Head teacher Cliff Stokes said: “Teaching children to read is our job, developing a love of reading is our passion.”

Families play a big part in the development of their children’s reading and they joined in a special afternoon to launch the Year of Reading.

Staff dressed as storybook characters read to children and families who sat on chairs and scatter cushions in the main hall, before the youngsters took parents and grandparents to the library to choose a book to read together.

There was also a visit from two larger-than-life favourites The Gruffalo and a minion, brought along by the Happily Ever After team who work in school with character visits.

Staff began the initiative with a week of New-anory storytelling sessions, based on the ever-popular Jackanory television programme.

They were filmed reading classic picture books to youngsters and the content was streamed online for all to join in via the school’s social media platforms.

The stories are on the school website so that children and families can listen and read along at home. New-anory tales included children’s favourites The Koala Who Could, How to Catch a Star, and Each Peach Pear Plum.

Teacher Gemma Clements is part of Newington’s literacy team. She said: “It was a lovely afternoon with children and adults really enjoying the storytelling in the hall before getting their own books from our library to settle down for more reading with their families.”

Mr Stokes added: “The hall was buzzing with storygroups hanging on every word and we are pleased our families joined in wholeheartedly to support our Year of Reading launch.

“The love of reading is a big part of our life at Newington and we are happy to share it with the community. The love of reading is something we share through the use of our library and other literacy resources.

“Unlocking the key to a child’s imagination through a love of books is so important to us.”