World Book Day ….is it time to re think it !

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Yes, today in the UK it is indeed World Book Day …..one whole day is all we can manage to promote reading….. better than nothing I hear you say ….well, is it though. In my experience, includes a 40 year career in schools, it is a day when many parents spend money they don’t have on costumes that will be worn once. Children come wearing costumes of Spider-Man, Batman and Disney Princesses…….yes these are featured in books and stories, but the children only talk of films …. Each school child is given a voucher for a free book ( certain titles ), or £1 off any book. Walking home over the years I have seen so many of these just dropped on the ground scrunched up like rubbish, or you find them in school bags months later. Whilst I think World Book Day is a good idea…..I was an early reader and have always loved books , and I have seen first hand how reading enhances learning in so many different ways, I do think it’s time to re think it ….provide ongoing activities and experiences, those that encourage reading, the love of stories, use of imagination and increase of vocabulary…..instead of making it just a dressing up day ! What do you think ?