Year 3 Bluebirds have really enjoyed their reading sessions where they have chosen what they would like to read. There were lots of different ways we saw reading happening such as:

Children reading alone to themselves, out loud to one another, in small groups, Mrs Parry and a group sat on the mat together, Miss Dainter read to children, children sat On cushions in our book corner, lay on their coats or even under the table. It was a great relaxed atmosphere and everyone was reading what they loved!

Mrs Parry told the children about a treasured collection of books she has in her loft at home. They were her favourites as a girl which she could never part with! Mrs Parry wondered whether the children might be interested in seeing them. The children were very excited to see the treasure chest the next day! They promised they’d take good care of the books as they knew how special these stories were to Mrs Parry. She shared with the children the significance of why these stories meant so much to her and made a display for the children to read about these particular books.

The treasure chest is being kept with our special Year 3 authors boxes. Mrs Parry’s books have a good star on and a golden bookmark inside. When a child has read the book they write their name on the back of the bookmark so other children can talk to them or ask them about it. This should create opportunity for book talk and hopefully work as a review and recommendation exercise.

Pippa chatted with Mrs Parry about The Faraway Tree characters and Tanatswa shared her favourite part of The Naughtiest Girl In The School too. Millie told the class about her favourite book called Mr Moo and kindly brought it in so we could all hear the story together. Lexi brought in her non fiction book all about Space and Jessica brought in a super “lift the flap” timetable book! Jessica is currently reading a fairy story book that Miss Williams has recommended.

Mrs Parry talked about the rights of a reader and the children agreed if they really don’t enjoy a book then they shouldn’t have to finish it. On the other hand, they also agreed it was fine to read a story lots of times when it’s one you really enjoy. Mrs Parry showed the class a book she bought from the school book fair in Primary school about a little bear called Corduroy. She had read it lots of times both as a child and then to her own children when they were young. Bluebirds wanted to hear it too so Mrs Parry was really pleased to be able read the story again and share it a new generation of children!