PUPILS at King’s Hawford celebrated World Book Day with a week of fun-filled activities to highlight the importance of reading.

No one can dispute the importance of learning to read; yet engendering a lifelong love of reading involves inspiring a passion and enthusiasm for books that is best encouraged at an early age.

At King’s Hawford, pupils celebrated their love of reading throughout the week commencing March 4 by taking part in a number of special activities to commemorate World Book Day held on March 7. Dubbed ‘Story Week’ the school day started with assembly when teachers read to pupils from their favourite books, sharing much-loved quotes and snippets.

A reading competition was held with pupils also encouraged to read aloud in assembly, after which parents were invited into school in the evening to hear the children’s honed reading skills.

Children throughout the school took part in book-themed quizzes and events, including a book sale and the school’s annual book survey. “The results of the school book survey never fail to surprise the staff here at King’s Hawford. When the pupils are asked who their favourite author is, Enid Blyton comes up again and again. It’s fascinating that the books the teachers read as children can stand the test of time and hold their own against modern authors,” said King’s Hawford head teacher Jim Turner.

Children in the pre-prep departments of both King’s Hawford and King’s St Alban’s dressed up as their favourite book characters which ranged from Disney princesses and well-known villains to the Gruffalo and other animals. Older children in the two junior schools chose to bring in an item that features in their favourite book.

“The benefits associated with reading are endless. Not least, that reading a book will assist a child develop their imagination, which will also underpin their ability to write creatively too.

Reading is how we discover new things and will also assist in developing a child’s self confidence.

“Events, such as World Book Day, are a brilliant way of reinforcing the importance of reading but they do so in a fun and engaging way that children of all ages adore,” said Mr Turner.