St Michael’s C of E Academy, which is a part of the Learning Academy Partnership, has brought their pupils’ families together for an exciting reading picnic.
The academy hosted the ‘Booknic’ as part of its commitment to instilling a love of reading. The ‘Booknic’ was a fantastic opportunity for the academy’s families to take part in an afternoon of reading with the children and to enjoy some homemade cakes and shortbread.
St Michael’s C of E Academy opened as a new academy in September 2021, with a Reception and Nursery class. The event was the perfect chance for the families to come together as a community to read, eat and discuss their favourite books.
The children really enjoyed building reading memories, while the staff were able to offer the parents support and advice on how to help begin reading at home. Many of the children’s parents and carers commented on how lovely it was to come in and be part of the school.
Chris Burton, a parent whose child attends St Michaels C of E Academy, said: “It was such a great opportunity for my son to share his favourite books with me and for me to be involved in his school life. He loves coming to school and he was so excited to show me what he gets up to every day.”
Vicky Grant, Teacher at St Michael’s C of E Academy and Early Literacy Specialist with Ilsham English Hub said:
“We believe that learning to read and being excited by books unlocks so many opportunities for our children. The early years lay the foundations for a lifelong love of reading.
“Each term we choose our favourite five books that we read and explore, and the children loved sharing these with their families and re-telling the stories to them.”
Julie Edwards, Head of Academy at St Michael’s C of E Academy, said: “It was wonderful to be able to have our families come into school and for our children to share their love of reading and stories.
“As a new academy, we wanted to do something that brought all our school community together. The children were really excited to show their families around their class and take part in the ‘Booknic’.”
