National Simultaneous Storytime

By Peter Shen

Dear Families,

On the 19th May 20201, the entire GWPS leaners participated in the National Simultaneous Storytime, reading “Give Me Some Space” by Philip Bunting. This is the annual event by the Australian Library and Information Association where an Australian author’s picture story book is read simultaneously across the nation.

The aim of the National Simultaneous Storytime is to:

promote the value of reading and literacy,
promote the value and fun of books,
promote an Australian writer and publisher,
promote storytime activities in libraries and communities around the country and,
provide opportunities to involve parents, grandparents, the media and others to participate in and enjoy the occasion.

Every learner across the school at 10:40am sat on the floor and enjoyed their teachers reading “Give Me Some Space”. Our Prep students even had a surprised visit by our Principal Mr Catalano, who read to the entire Prep cohort!

During reading, our learners made lots of connections to self, to the world and to their Inquiry unit/sustainability.

Here are some highlights of the event:

Connection to self:

“I like to read about space and planet.”

“I am also interested in Science and exploring how different things works.”

“My future aspiration is to be an astronaut.”

Connection to the world:

“Neil the fish named after Neil Armstrong, the man walked the moon.”

“Chemicals were mentioned in space. Chemicals are everywhere!”

“Perseverance rover on Mars researching.”

Connection to Inquiry unit/sustainability:

“Global Goal #15 Life on Land, the Earth: plants, animals and human.”