The Reading Relay

London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games How could we link books and reading to the Games?

Torch Relay 7 Olympic and Paralympic Values Friendship Courage Excellence Equality Respect Determination Inspiration

Regional and PLS and SLS working together Essex Hertfordshire Slough Norfolk Southend Thurrock

How it worked Invitation to schools – 135 schools Placed in “Friendship Chains” 5 schools per chain Each half term one school in the chain was given one of the Olympic and Paralympic Values and had to choose the book they thought best represented that value. They passed their recommendation to the other schools in the chain. All schools recommended the most Inspirational book of the year More schools applied but we did have a drop out rate Friendship chains – matched age groups/key stages –and made sure they were mixed authorities Equality and Respect combined They could decide how to choose the book in the way that was best for them we asked them how they chose – small groups , shortlist in assembly for voting, parents involved , displays in school

Reading for enjoyment When we chose our book on friendship we had a visit from the local librarian and we visited the library. The children had the opportunity to join and I think this enhanced the profile of reading – not just at school but at home and for the whole family The pupil’s enjoyment of reading has increased. Also the books chosen were ones they admitted they would not have chosen individually Outcomes 38% said there was more interest in reading for pleasure, an improved reading ethos in school and a raised profile for books and 30% said that children were reading an increased range of stories

Understanding the messages in stories including Olympic and Paralympic Values The children loved reading the recommended books and felt very grown up when discussing the Olympic Values. An increased understanding of the topic of equality and a deeper awareness of how to have empathy for those who look different to our pupils. The books generated interesting discussions in every class about the need for respect for our neighbours and appreciation for the diversity within our society

Speaking and listening and expressing opinions Gave children and teachers the opportunity to talk about books in a different way It has improved their confidence to speak in front of an audience. They are far more able to express and justify their opinions It has provided opportunities to discuss a range of books and engaged some of the boys in talking about books Of the 93 schools who completed the evaluation questionnaires 51% said it improved speaking, listening and discussion skills

Other outcomes Friendship It has created an interest in a wide range of authors and has supported the children with the start of the new year, in a new class, by exploring the theme of friendship Building links across age groups It has got children in the lower end of the school using recommendations and asking older children for advice on books to choose. It has set aspirational reading at a higher level within our school

Legacy Schools – book profile and book discussion maintain links with libraries “The most positive outcome has been the cementing of the relationship between the school and the library. This has led onto us working together on a couple of other projects Libraries –gave PLS and SLS opportunity to work in partnership and work regionally – will make it easier to work regionally on other projects Copper Box! Libraries -undestoon each others way of working – shared ideas and changed things – expanded what we thought was possible

Friendship Sharing a Shell by Julia Donaldson It shows how friends can share and be kind. A core value at our school is being caring and we feel that this book helps children understand how to be a caring friend

Courage Gervelie’s Journey: A Refugee Dairy by Anthony Robinson and Annemarie Young It is about a local girl who beat all the odds to find a life in the UK. It is a real life courage which is needed in the most difficult circumstances, not fictional courage

Determination Emily’s Legs by Dick King Smith Emily was so much faster than all of the others in the races so they tried and tired to beat her. That was determination

Excellence A Hug for Humphrey by Steve Smallman A Hug for Humphrey was voted in as the best book for Excellence because at the beginning Humphrey didn’t really think he was good at anything and then by the end he found out what he was good at, giving hugs and that he was the best toy for that job!! (It also made us laugh when the baby wet himself!!)

Equality and Respect The most Magnificent Mosque by Ann Jungman, Shelley Fowle It showed that when people work together and treat each other as equals they all benefit from the end result. We thought it showed that people need to be tolerant towards one another

Inspiration War Horse by Michael Morpurgo The children feel that this book has not only inspired them to think about their own lives and the lives of others but they also feel that it has been a book they can share with friends and grown ups. It has brought people ‘together’ in their words Part of a review

Most recommended titles Matilda – Roald Dahl Danny Champion of the World – Roald Dahl Kensuke’s Kingdom – Michael Morpurgo There’s a boy in the girls bathroom – Louis Sachar War Horse – Michael Morpurgo