Prepare your school for World Book Day
Prepare your school for World Book Day
Preparing your school for World Book Day can be a difficult task for SBMs. With the need to make sure classes have all the books they need, as well as planning a book swap, there are plenty of other things to consider. So, here at GLS, we have made things easier for you by creating a list of things to prepare for World Book Day in school.
Reorganise the classroom layout
Classrooms must be properly set up in order to immerse students in reading, storytelling, and writing. Storytelling is primarily a group activity with some independent work. It is critical that classrooms reflect this type of learning during World Book Day. Make staff aware of this and assist them in readjusting their classroom if necessary.
All tables in classrooms should be together, with flexible seating. This gives students the freedom to sit wherever they want every day. Flexible seating allows them to work and socialise with other children. Also, if your classroom does not already have a dedicated reading corner, create one to encourage independent reading. It can also serve as an excellent location for small-group storytelling. Stock up on bookcases with a variety of books to choose from, as well as comfortable seating such as beanbags.
Make sure that there is plenty of space at the front of the classroom for class storytelling and reading. Provide cushions for students to sit on the floor so they can fully immerse themselves in what they are learning.
Allow children to engage in role-playing
Encourage your staff to introduce students to role-playing to ensure that children have the most fun with storytelling. It can be as simple as acting out stories, or it can be as complex as providing your school with role-play props and costumes to immerse students in the role-play process.
Children should be encouraged to participate in the story by changing their tone of voice and using body language. Allow time for each class in your school to practise and consider holding a show where each class can perform in front of the entire school. Set up a moveable stage on the school’s stage and celebrate World Book Day with a fun performance that everyone will enjoy.
Storytelling boxes
Allow for opportunities to write clearly, accurately, and coherently while adapting language and style to a variety of audiences. World Book Day can also be a great way to get your school writing. Our story writing boxes are ideal for use in the classroom to help students improve their English skills. Children can listen to stories, anticipate key events, and respond with appropriate comments, questions, and actions. In response to stories, students answer questions about their own experiences. Give children opportunities to use past, present, and future forms correctly. Students are encouraged to create their own narratives by connecting ideas or events. They are also encouraged to read and write, both by listening to others read and by reading and writing themselves.
Book swap
A book sale is always a great way to get some extra pennies for the school library, but why not try a book swap? Those who want to take part, bring in a book and swap it for another one brought in by another student. Make sure to stipulate the condition of the books brought in and perhaps guide students to bring in books from their age bracket to ensure even distribution. You could also have a staff book swap. Organise your staff to bring a book in and do a book swap between yourselves. World Book Day isn’t just for your students.
Prepare your school for World Book Day with these tips and activities. Remember to get involved yourselves and involve teachers too. Enhance your students learning and develop their core reading, listening and writing skills. There are plenty of ways to get children to share stories during World Book Day and beyond.
For more writing tips and essentials for your school, check out our blog here.
