National share a story month in school
National share a story month in school
National Share A Story Month is an annual month-long celebration of stories and aims to bring children and books together in new ways. The theme for 2023 is Sail Away in a Story. We know the adventures that stories can take us on, and we want to promote the joys of discovering stories set around the oceans, seas and rivers. Boats, mermaids, pirates and underwater creatures will fill the imaginations of children and adults across the UK. Immerse yourself in the stories and encourage your staff to do the same.
Why should we share stories in the classroom?
The power of sharing a story and the importance of reading should not be underestimated. There are so many benefits students can gain from the experience. Try helping your teachers and show them this list of benefits of reading to their class.
- By reading with children, you become a reading role model.
- You provide them with an opportunity to model their reading on others. They learn to use tone, phrasing, and intonation.
- Reading together as a class creates a community and encourages conversations about the book.
- Discussing how a story made them feel and what they hope might happen, helps children develop understanding and empathy.
- Reading a higher-level text aloud to students helps them increase their vocabulary.
- Sharing a book will introduce them to new authors or books they might not otherwise encounter.
- A shared story can provide opportunities to discuss topics and themes, in a safe classroom environment.
Stock up on various book packs for students and let them learn about the world and different cultures through story sharing.
Share books with your staff
One way to celebrate National Share a Story Month in your school is by sharing stories with your staff. As an SBM, you don’t really take part in these key dates throughout the school year, so why not start now? Organise a day or two where you ask your staff to bring in books they would like to donate, as well as doing this yourself. You can all then swap books with each other, and you won’t be spending money.
At the end of National Share a Story Month, you can sit down with everyone and talk about the books you have read, what was your favourite, and why? Encourage these conversations with your staff and get to know them more.
To help your staff with encouraging these conversations with students, offer your staff reading comprehension books to use with their students to enhance their reading and sharing story skills further.
Activities for your school
Get creative with stories
There are so many ways to tell stories, and with no rules attached, you can spice it up as much as you want. You could craft a picture book, write a poem, song, some catchy rap bars, or even start an internet meme thread for a funny story.
Organise a storytelling session
Host an oral story-telling session with your staff members. The story could be one you've all read. You can also encourage everyone to be present with their own story to share.
Read a book
Reading a book is also a great way to celebrate the month. Find a book that piques your interest and get reading! In choosing a book, do not choose a lengthy book; find something you can finish in some weeks' time, so by the end of the month, you too will have a story to share.
Celebrate National Share a Story Month in your school with these activities. It doesn’t just have to be with your students; get your staff involved too. Encourage reading within your school and organise a book swapping session with your staff.
If you have more ways of celebrating National Share a Story Month, then let us know on Twitter.
