St Catherine’s Prep School, Bramley Librarian Jacqui Sadler on the huge value of reading – for pleasure, for understanding our world, and for success
It is no surprise to my friends and family that I ended up in a career surrounded by books. For as long as I can remember, books have always been hugely important in my life. I have fond memories of picture books being read to me every evening at bedtime and knew the words of my favourites by heart. My childhood was filled with Enid Blyton, Roald Dahl, then later Judy Blume and the Sweet Valley High series.
St Catherine’s Prep library is an incredibly special place. Not only is it a bright, comfortable space but it is also full of the latest books written by exceptional authors such as Robin Stevens, Onjali Q. Rauf and M.G. Leonard – just a few of the authors who represent the golden age of children’s literature we are fortunate to be living in today. There is something for every child’s unique interest and preference. Every class in the school, from Reception to Year 6 has a regular library session weekly where they have the opportunity to read books, share their favourite authors and learn information skills to assist with research projects.
Throughout the school, the girls have the opportunity to shadow various book awards. Most recently, the girls have entered The Royal Society Children’s Science Book of the Year award, a cross-curricular programme which aims to encourage and inspire young readers to explore a variety of science topics – from ‘Stardust’ to ‘a Bug’s World’ and ‘Deadly and Dangerous animals’. A number of year groups review and discuss these books before voting for their favourite. A wide variety of extracurricular clubs on offer – including Poetry, Current Affairs and Book Groups – explore new topics and challenge the girls to address and consider new perspectives.
As part of the school’s leadership programme, girls in Year 6 can volunteer to become library monitors. As part of this role, the girls listen to our Pre-Prep girls read, give support with the running of extracurricular clubs, participate in assemblies, introduce and lead discussions with visiting authors. The library hosts several annual events which are always met with great enthusiasm. These include World Book Day celebrations, Book Fairs, National Poetry Day, Non-Fiction November and book swaps.
We know that reading is a superpower for children’s brains, not only are they learning new words and meanings to develop a broader vocabulary, reading helps them to understand the world around them, their own feelings and the feelings of others. Reading brings children comfort, confidence, relaxation and fun, as well as increasing their concentration. The joy of reading stories is so important for knowledge and understanding, and we know it can help enormously with academic success.
It is never too early to read with your child. Not only does it develop a special bond with them, it helps their language skills, empowers their imagination and builds creativity. For some expert recommendations, the top five favourite books of the St Catherine’s Prep School girls in Year 3-6 are, in no particular order:
Percy Jackson (series) by Rick Riordan
Ruby Redfort (series) by Lauren Child
Murder Most Unladylike (series) by Robin Stevens
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Matilda by Roald Dahl.
St Catherine’s Prep School, Bramley stcatherines.info
Further reading: Cranleigh Prep on boarding advantages
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