National Children's Book Week
| Year group: | Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Key subject: | English | |
| Cross curricular: | PSHE | |
| QCA scheme of work: | none | |
| Useful equipment: |
An empty child's lunchbox; books from a variety of genres; a
prepared note (see Main Presentation). |
Aims
The theme of this assembly is National Children's Book Week, celebrated each year in the first full week of October. It uses the slogan 'Tuck into a book!' to encourage children to explore and enjoy some of the many books published for children.
The assembly aims to:
- raise awareness of National Children's Book Week, when it occurs, and what we might do to celebrate reading and children's literature
- inspire children of all ages to read a range of fiction and non-fiction
- promote reading as a positive and enjoyable activity
Introduction
'Did you all remember to bring your lunchboxes (or lunch money) today? Are you all looking forward to your lunchtime? What particularly are you looking forward to?'
Elicit some responses from the pupils.
Main presentation
Hold up a lunch box containing a book chosen prior to the assembly (see Resources section for recommended titles).
'I'm really looking forward to my lunch today because my wife/husband/friend/mum packed it for me, and they told me they had put in a really tasty treat. I wonder what it can be!'
Invite the children to contribute ideas about what the treat might be. Encourage them to think of a variety of sweet and savoury foods that they would enjoy.
'Well, let's have a peek, shall we?'
Open the lunchbox and take out the book.
'A book! I can't tuck into a book, can I? Wait a minute, there's a note inside. It says:
'Here's some food for your mind. Enjoy your lunch!'
'What can that mean? I wonder how a book can be like food for your mind?'
Examine the book. Show interest in the cover picture and the title, and read out the blurb on the back. Open the book and start to read silently, beginning to get really engrossed in it. Express enthusiasm!
'This is fantastic. I think I'm going to really enjoy this book! Perhaps it is a tasty treat after all. I definitely want to read this book! Have you ever found a book that you didn't want to put down again?'
Ask children to contribute titles of books they have really enjoyed. Emphasise the wide variety of literature — stories of adventure, funny books, sad stories, books about people who are like you, and those about imaginary people and places, information books, helpful books and books that amaze you with things you didn't know before.
Discuss the feelings you can get from reading different books and relate to how it feels to eat different types of food:
- some books surprise you, like a tomato squirting out juice when you bite into it.
- some books are good for munching quietly, like a packet of crisps.
- some you want to gobble up, like sweets because they are so tasty.
- some make you feel all full up and satisfied inside, like a roast dinner.
(See the Resources section for examples of titles that illustrate these qualities).
'This week is National Children's Book Week, and children all over the country will be tucking into books and trying out some new ones. It is a good time for us to go on an adventure ourselves — in our classrooms, in the library or in the local bookshop — to find out more about all the different books around us that could be food for our minds.'
Summary
'Your mind enjoys food as much as your body. The range of food it enjoys is different for everyone. Its good to try different types of books just as its good to eat a variety of food. Why not be a little adventurous and try something new, as well as tucking into your usual favourite treats!'
A moment for reflection should be given. Alternatively, the following prayer could be said:
Dear Lord,
Books can be tasty treats for our minds.
They can help us stay happy and alive with interest in the world around
us.
They are good to share and to enjoy alone.
Thank you for all the many books in our schools and libraries and for the
writers and illustrators who inspire us, make us laugh and teach us new
things.
Help us to find books that teach us to be wise, kind and to know more about the
world that you have given us.
Amen.
Additional notes
This assembly could be delivered at the end of the week prior to National Book Week, if school based activities were being planned. Otherwise, it could be given some time during the first full week of October.
Ensure that the assembly is sensitive to those children who have difficulties with reading, by emphasising that there are books available to suit every individual, no matter what their interests or ability.
Extension/shortening tip
To shorten
- Limit the number of contributions during the discussion part of the Main Presentation to fit the time available.
To lengthen
- Prepare a display of a large (empty) lunch box with the title 'Tuck into a Book Today!' Have some paper ready cut out in the shape of sandwiches, chocolate bars and fruit. As the pupils contribute their favourite book titles in the discussion write them down on the shapes and stick them into the lunchbox. Encourage classes to follow this up during the week and to create some more 'tasty treats' to add to the display.
Recommended resources
Books
Possible ideas for books to discuss in the Main Presentation include (these will need to be adapted to the age groups and interests of the children):
'Squirting tomato' books:
Rumply Crumply Stinky Pin by Laurence Anholt and Arthur Robins (or
any books from their Seriously Silly series)
ISBN: 1860393551 (KS1/2)
The Groovy Greeks by Terry Deary
ISBN: 0590132474 (KS2)
'Munching' books:
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
ISBN: 0142401080 (KS1/2)
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling
ISBN: 0747532745 (KS2)
'Sweetie' books:
Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman and Caroline Binch
ISBN: 0711206996 (KS1/2)
This is our House by Michael Rosen and Bob Graham
ISBN: 0744560209 (KS1)
'Roast Dinner' books:
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
ISBN: 0140366660 (KS2)
Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo
ISBN: 0439591813 (KS2)
Links
Resources for planning effective National Children's Book Week
events:
http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6003459
The Children's Laureate, Michael Morpurgo:
http://www.childrenslaureate.org/
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