St Lawrence’s ‘Wild’ Book Day

World Book Day became ‘Wild Book Day’, when children at St Lawrences’ Catholic Primary in Byker gave the annual celebration of reading a novel twist.

Pupils from Nursery to Year 6 took part in the international event, with activities all themed around a particular story.

“This year, the whole school was reading Wild Book Day by Karl Newson and James Brown,” explained Head of School Charlotte Robson.

“In it, books come to life when children aren’t looking at them, and they get up to lots of mischief!

“Each class took part in different activities throughout the day, all based around the same book.”

The children also arrived dressed as their favourite fictional characters, while members of staff joined in the fun with their own fancy-dress costumes.

With this year’s event coinciding with the National Year of Reading initiative, St Lawrence’s has been focusing on promoting reading for pleasure – with the support of parents and carers at the school.

“We held a competition to be completed at home,” said Mrs Robson. “Pupils were asked to create their own poster to encourage reading at home. The winning entry will have copies made and displayed around school, in the library and classrooms.”

“Throughout the week of World Book Day, parents were invited in for a Stay and Read session in the afternoon,” she continued. “Pupils could bring a book to read with their parent or carer.

“There were juice and biscuits, and parents had the opportunity to speak to the class teacher about supporting reading at home.”

The day was brought to a close with the children receiving ‘pre-loved’ books to take home with them, as well as World Book Day tokens.

“World Book Day is incredibly important at St Lawrence’s,” added Mrs Robson. “It is a day to celebrate the importance of reading, but also develop reading for pleasure, particularly at home.”