Spotlight on Reading
There really is no greater gift we can give our children, than a love of reading as it opens up infinite new worlds, information, dreams and so much more, all without leaving our homes.
Reading Ambassadors active in the school library
Library visits
On Wednesday 22nd May, the Year 3 children visited Dronfield Library. They took part in a session about reading and choosing different types of books with the librarian before they went downstairs to browse the wonderful selection of books that are on offer to choose from. Those children who had brought their library cards each chose a book to borrow and even got to use the self-service machine which proved very exciting! The children came back to school buzzing about books following the visit. Thank you to the library staff for welcoming our children.
Our School Library
Mrs Ford, our Reading Lead, is encouraging our pupils to widen their reading diet and try books similar to those of their favourite authors ...
Reading Rocks at DJS!
For the first time ever Dronfield Junior School entered the National Literacy Trust reading quiz. Two teams of 4 bookworms took part online answering 75 questions on a range of book related themes. They were very tricky!
Although we did not win, we came mid-table in the primary school league - an impressive achievement for a debut appearance!
In typical DJS fashion, the children were very enthusiastic and even managed to scoop the participation "cheerleader" award.
Dronfield Library
We are encouraging all our pupils to visit their local library. Here is some advice from one of the librarians from Dronfield Library about how to get your child signed up for a borrowing card. It could save you pounds and pounds!
Children can join the library online or by calling in. If you wish to call in, parents or carers are able to register their children at any Derbyshire library. One form of identification with your name and address on or adult Derbyshire library card is all that you will need.
If you join the library online you will be given a temporary number to use until your library card arrives within 10 working days. If it has not arrived in time for the visit, your child needs to bring this temporary number with them on their visit. We recommend calling in to join, it makes it easier for your child.
If your child has not used their library card for 2 years or more then their membership will have lapsed. Please call in to renew membership before their visit.
Webinar on Reading for Parents
During Parents' Evenings week, carers sometimes tell us that they struggle to get their child/children reading at home. Here is a webinar that you can access about 'Inspiring reading at home.' Teresa Cremin is a reading guru and both she and Kelly Ashley, both from Open University will be leading the free webinar. It takes place June 11th 7-8 pm via Zoom and I'm sure it will be full of lots of top tips to inspire your child to read.
https://www.parentkind.org.uk/your-pta-expert/parent-webinars?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=reading_for_pleasure_news_june&utm_term=2024-06-09#
World Book Day 7th March 2024
On Thursday 7th March, we celebrated World Book Day in school with lots of different activities relating to reading for pleasure. There was a real buzz around school as each class celebrated WBD.
Some year groups organised a ‘book swap’ event, whereby they could exchange their well-loved books for others that they haven’t yet read, whilst other year groups were read their class teacher’s favourite story or designed their own eye-catching book cover with an accompanying blurb.
Throughout the week, all children in school sang a special World Book Day song to the song ‘Shotgun’ by George Ezra.
On Thursday afternoon, the whole school took part in a buddy reading session in which younger children were buddied with older children to share their favourite books and stories.
Our World Book Day competition this year is to design a pair of reading glasses with a difference. Please visit Class Dojo for a reminder of how to take part.
Books for Children's Mental Health Week
It has been Children’s Mental Health Week this week and classes in school have been focussing on different aspects of mental health. This year’s theme of My Voice Matters is about empowering children by providing them with the tools they need to express themselves. When we feel empowered, this can have a positive impact on our well-being. Children who feel that their voices are heard and can make a difference have a greater sense of community and self-esteem.
This year, the aim is for children of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to be empowered to work together to create a positive change for their mental health and wellbeing.
Please see the link below to some recommended books that promote awareness of children’s mental health that you may wish to share with your child at home. Children's Mental Health Week: 5 Book Recommendations on the BooksForTopics Blog