National Family Literacy Day

Friday, 4^th November, 2011

On Tuesday 1^st November, we celebrated National Family Literacy Day at Manchester Academy. Parents and carers of year 7 and 8 students were invited to join their children and participate in a range of literacy activities.

The aim of the day was to raise awareness of the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family. These activities consisted of:

• A book exchange whereby students could bring in books from home and exchange them with books provided by the school
• A paired reading zone, allowing parents to listen to their children read
• An area where children could experience a dramatic Shakespeare reading
• Literacy worksheets and thought-provoking language games, such as scrabble and homonym and synonym puzzles
• A dictionary corner where students gained knowledge on how to use a dictionary effectively and competitively through the use of definition exercises
• A drama teacher using expression while story-telling, bringing characters to life.

There was also an opportunity for parents/carers to gain an overview on how Manchester Academy supports literacy through the curriculum and interventions.

 

“The feedback from parents and students was extremely positive and the morning was extremely worthwhile. Well done.” Lynn Burton, Assistant Principal.

“Thank you to all staff and students that helped with the family literacy event. It was a joy to see so many of our young students and their families enjoying reading to each other and taking part in literacy activities.” Maria Bonner, Assistant Principal.

The morning was a great success, staff and students thoroughly enjoyed it and families found the information extremely useful. We are looking forward to organising our next Literacy event.

By Ms Tomlinson, Manchester Academy