Reading
Hello!
I'm very excited about Children's Laureate Cressida Cowell's Creativity Summer Camp running online all this week. A host of fantastic authors, illustrators and poets will be posting activities and inspiration each day. I especially liked David Almond talking about the magic of storytelling and how his stories start with chaotic notes in one of his many notebooks. The link to Cressida's Summer Camp is below.
Have you kept a diary or written a story or poem you are especially proud of over lockdown? I've included links to some great writing competitions for children. The closing dates are a few weeks away, so you still have time to get your ideas down and sent in! Good luck.
The Summer Reading Challenge launched a few weeks ago - have you joined yet? I've included a link explaining how you can take part. The challenge is all online this year, and is more flexible than ever. You can even set your own targets. It would be great to see as many of you as possible participate this year, even those of you in year 6, before heading off to secondary school. Details on how to join in the fun are included. I've also added some recommended reads for those of you in year 6 as you prepare for year 7.
From picture book readings to illustration workshops, there is something for everybody to access online each day, and Toppsta are listing daily activities. They've even launched their free downloadable reading pack, with 15 minute challenges and a great reading bingo game. The link is listed below.
Have you thought about keeping a reading journal? A journal might include lists of the books you've recently read, authors you especially enjoy, three word reviews and star ratings and books you would like to read. You might want to decorate your journal with doodles, stickers and fancy page headings. You'll need a notebook and coloured pens to get you going. If you don't have a notebook, some paper or card folded to make a book will work just as well.
Keep reading and I look forward to chatting about your books when we get back to school.
I'm reading The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad, an uplifting picturebook about being proud of who you are.
Mrs. Hamerton
Have you tried Book Spine Poetry? Make your own poems using the titles on book spines. Here are a couple of examples we've made at home. I'd love to see your examples!
Some book themed creative ideas to try:
Do you have a favourite book but you really don't like the cover? Why not have a go at creating your own version. Make it as colourful, plain or as detailed as you like. Don't forget to include a blurb on the back, and quotes from your favourite authors.
Perhaps you think a book you have read would work well as a comic book. So now is your opportunity to make that a reality! Have a go at turning a book you There are plenty of templates online for comic book strips, or you can make your own using pencil and ruler.
Think about your favourite characters from picture books - is it The Gruffalo? Or The Hungry Caterpillar? Maybe it's Harry and his bucket full of dinosaurs or a character from a traditional tale. Now think about what might happen if that character suddenly appeared in your current chapter book. How would that character react? How would others respond to them? Now write that story!
Have a go at book spine poetry, see the post above.
For other story starter ideas look at the Authorfy website. Authors are posting 10 minute story starter ideas each morning. Have fun with your writing and book themed creativity!