Literacy Notes

The Secret Power of Reading!

Book week begins at BNPS in Week 6 and what a wonderful theme this year – 'Reading is My Secret Power'.  We will be exploring and celebrating some wonderful literature ranging from picture story books to novels, from fiction to factual material and from a wide range of authors and illustrators who have been short listed by the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA).

The CBCA was formed in 1945, beginning as a small Sydney based group but now a national organisation which exerts a profound influence on children’s books. It was originally formed at the end of World War 2 as an incentive to get authors and illustrators working. The advocacy role played by the CBCA promotes the literary experience for children and assures the scope and vitality of children's books. The annual CBCA Book of the Year Awards affirm the quality of some of Australia’s most creative people and provide a boost to their capacity to devote time to their craft.

The CBCA Book of the Year Awards are announced each year on the third Friday in August. CBCA Book Week commences the following day.

Here at BNPS our wonderful Library Teacher, Crissa Cody-Smith, has ensured we have the short listed books and has also introduced these to the staff.  The underlying theme of 'The Secret Power of Reading' will be discussed and emphasised as children and teachers enjoy all that the books have to offer. This will culminate in a celebratory Book Parade where the children will identify and share some of the secret powers reading has given them.

This is an opportunity to share some reading with your child of some favourite books that may generate discussion about the power of reading. Things such as finding out new facts, finding answers to questions we are pondering, opening up entirely new worlds through fiction and meeting some characters who we grow to love and remember forever. 

For Early childhood (ages 1 - 6) there are ones such as 'Tricky’s Bad Day' by Alison Lester where nothing is going right for Tricky until Dad has a great idea. Or, 'Head and Tails Insects' by John Canty which gives us clear and simple clues to guess the insect.

There are some wonderful titles for younger readers (ages 7 - 12) such as 'His Name Was Walter' by Emily Rodda. This is a story within a story and begins with the tantalising words 'Once upon a time, in a dark city far away, there lived a boy called Walter, who had nothing but his name to call his own……'.

And for older readers, thought-provoking books such as 'Girl on a Wire', a picture story book which features amazing artwork and explores risk-taking and confidence.

There are so many more to enjoy, so if you are looking for some quality literature to share with your children, please CLICK/TAP HERE. 

Yours in Literacy

Tania Purton & Jo Taylor

Literacy Coordinators