At our school, we believe that reading is one of the most important skills we can develop. Books open doors to new worlds, introduce us to fascinating characters, spark our imaginations and help us see life from different perspectives. That is why we make time every week to enjoy reading together.
In Year 7, our topic lessons combine English, History and Geography, and one hour each week is dedicated to reading. In other year groups, students have four English lessons a week, with one lesson set aside especially for reading.
During these lessons, teachers select a book that is appropriate for the class’s reading ability and interests. Together, we work our way through the story, exploring the characters, discussing important events and answering questions to develop our understanding. Sometimes, we complete a writing activity or assessment inspired by the book, giving everyone the chance to share their ideas, express their opinions and demonstrate what they have learnt.
One of the greatest joys of reading lessons is that we all share the same story. We can discuss what we enjoy, debate the choices characters make, predict what might happen next and discover how differently people can interpret the same events. Listening to our classmates’ ideas can open our minds to new possibilities and make a story even more exciting.
Reading lessons also provide a calm and enjoyable break from our usual classroom activities. They give us time to slow down, become absorbed in a story and enjoy the simple pleasure of reading. At the same time, we build essential skills, including vocabulary, comprehension, concentration, communication and writing.
The benefits of reading go far beyond the classroom. Reading can take you on adventures, help you discover new interests, teach you about the world and inspire you to dream big. Whether you enjoy mysteries, fantasy, adventure, humour, sport or real-life stories, there is a book out there for you. You do not have to read the same books as your friends, or even read for hours at a time. Sometimes, just a few pages a day can lead to a lifelong love of books.
So, why not give a new book a try? Ask a teacher, librarian or friend for a recommendation, revisit a story you already love, or take a chance on something completely different. You might discover a new favourite, learn something unexpected or find yourself looking forward to the next chapter.
Scartlette: Kempt House
