The Latest News
The magical world of books
20th January 2023
Wednesday 18th January was the birthday of A.A. Milne, author of Winnie the Pooh. Hearing this on the radio, sent me back to my own childhood and considering the books I used to read. As a child I was an avid reader and every Saturday would go to the local library to choose three books. These would keep me going for the week. When I consider my own teenage children and the number of books they read, the difference is stark!
There is something magical about opening a book. The smell, the feel of the pages and the world that opens up. I cannot imagine my life without books and reading!
However, for some of our pupils the thought of reading is daunting, terrifying even. The data tells us that those pupils who leave school unable to read proficiently will have limiting life chances in the future. It is our collective responsibility to consider the role we each play in supporting our learners to become proficient readers.
It might surprise some colleagues to know that just before Christmas, we spent a day with our Secondary trainee teachers, focusing on phonics and early reading skills. Whilst this is embedded in Primary teacher training, it is a new focus for Secondary and one that they found very interesting. Our trainees will progress this term to consider how they can support literacy skills through the lens of their own subject and undertake a written project. They will consider adaptations that they might need to make to their lessons, to support those pupils who find reading a challenge.
There is significant research linked to the impact of reading and mental health. Those people who read regularly are less likely to say that they feel lonely. The connections that we make with characters in novels are just as powerful as the relationships we build in real life. Interestingly, people who have read at least one chapter of Harry Potter are more likely to believe that they could have a magical power and readers of the Twilight series believe that their incisors are more pointed than their peers!
In the last year, I have challenged myself to read books that I would not usually choose, for example I read my first ever science fiction novel when tackling The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell. This book drove me to question stereotypes, my beliefs and further my thinking. What a powerful tool reading can be and how wonderful if every pupil leaving our trust had the capacity to enjoy reading and try new things!
Finally, I would like to reach out to anyone thinking of starting their journey into teaching. We have a number of information events coming up where you can find out more https://georgeabbottraining.co.uk/ or just call the SCITT team on 01483 888048. Remember, we now offer our Primary programme in partnership with South Farnham SCITT and secondary here at George Abbot.
Happy reading over the weekend, much better than being out in the cold!
Jo Jones, Director of ITT, Learning Partners
Wednesday 18th January was the birthday of A.A. Milne, author of Winnie the Pooh. Hearing this on the radio, sent me back to my own childhood and considering the books I used to read. As a child I was an avid reader and every Saturday would go to the local library to choose three books. These would keep me going for the week. When I consider my own teenage children and the number of books they read, the difference is stark!
There is something magical about opening a book. The smell, the feel of the pages and the world that opens up. I cannot imagine my life without books and reading!
However, for some of our pupils the thought of reading is daunting, terrifying even. The data tells us that those pupils who leave school unable to read proficiently will have limiting life chances in the future. It is our collective responsibility to consider the role we each play in supporting our learners to become proficient readers.
It might surprise some colleagues to know that just before Christmas, we spent a day with our Secondary trainee teachers, focusing on phonics and early reading skills. Whilst this is embedded in Primary teacher training, it is a new focus for Secondary and one that they found very interesting. Our trainees will progress this term to consider how they can support literacy skills through the lens of their own subject and undertake a written project. They will consider adaptations that they might need to make to their lessons, to support those pupils who find reading a challenge.
There is significant research linked to the impact of reading and mental health. Those people who read regularly are less likely to say that they feel lonely. The connections that we make with characters in novels are just as powerful as the relationships we build in real life. Interestingly, people who have read at least one chapter of Harry Potter are more likely to believe that they could have a magical power and readers of the Twilight series believe that their incisors are more pointed than their peers!
In the last year, I have challenged myself to read books that I would not usually choose, for example I read my first ever science fiction novel when tackling The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell. This book drove me to question stereotypes, my beliefs and further my thinking. What a powerful tool reading can be and how wonderful if every pupil leaving our trust had the capacity to enjoy reading and try new things!
Finally, I would like to reach out to anyone thinking of starting their journey into teaching. We have a number of information events coming up where you can find out more https://georgeabbottraining.co.uk/ or just call the SCITT team on 01483 888048. Remember, we now offer our Primary programme in partnership with South Farnham SCITT and secondary here at George Abbot.
Happy reading over the weekend, much better than being out in the cold!
Jo Jones, Director of ITT, Learning Partners
