An A* for Author Visit to Local Schools
The pioneering reading scheme created by Hastings National Literacy Trust Hub and Bloomsbury Publishing proved itself to be highly successful yet again, with the final author visit of the year to schools in the area happening from June 13 to 15.
BBC presenter and author Iszi Lawrence spoke with more than 1,000 schoolchildren from Silverdale, Hollington, West St Leonard’s, Robsack Wood, Churchwood, Baird and Dudley Infant Academy, about her new book Explorers and Milkshakes.
The scheme has run throughout the year and has involved authors visits each term. The engagement between the author and students genuinely encourages the creativity of the schoolchildren.
Miss Edwards, year three teacher at Churchwood Primary Academy, said: “I have noticed that the impact on the children that the author visits have had is that children are much more engaged with reading, and they are much more excited about reading. I have also noticed the children having more conversations on the books covered in the author visits. They have enjoyed reading them at home as well… Overall, a positive impact and it would be great to keep it going.”
Statistics from the National Literacy Trust show in a 2023 report (literacytrust.org.uk/research-services/research-reports) that children and young people who had experienced an author visit reported that they enjoyed reading in their free time more than those of their peers who hadn’t. And the evidence was certainly borne out in this month’s event.
Mrs Fiona Eastes, Upper Academy Phase Leader at Churchwood Primary Academy, said: “I think the impact that author visits have had on the children has been amazing – they really do give them a buzz! It makes them want to read the books and keep reading the next book and the next, so the visits do revitalise the children and their love of reading.”
Alison Sleet, Hastings Hub Manager at the National Literacy Trust, said: “We were delighted to have Bloomsbury author Iszi Lawrence on board to support our innovative programme to get Hastings’ schoolchildren reading for pleasure. Our research shows the positive impact author visits can make on children’s reading skills, as well as their enjoyment and confidence in reading and writing.”
The Hastings Literacy Hub began in 2019 to raise awareness of the importance of literacy as well as encouraging reading for pleasure. The Literacy Hubs are run in communities where low levels of literacy and social mobility have serious impact on those who live there. It aims to generate a lifelong passion for literacy and with that the opportunity to thrive.
Further information can be found at literacytrust.org.uk and for fun activities to do at home checkout wordsforlife.org.uk
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