Book Week at Gozo College

At Qala Primary we believe that designating a special week for books can actively encourage children to view reading as a pleasant activity and books as a source of interest and enjoyment.

One of the main problems we encounter is that many students do not associate reading with pleasure. One will find no pleasure in books if one cannot read, but it is equally possible to be able to read and derive little pleasure.

One needs to remember that reading offers nothing to students who see no point in this activity. Therefore, this scholastic year, the school staff decided that together with our book fair, we could hold further activities to reinforce the importance of books. By working together, we focused on the improvement of and creation of excitement and enthusiasm for reading.

Year 1 and 2 pupils brought their favourite book to school, together with a toy related to the story. All these were put on display. A label with the child's name was placed next to the book and toy. During Book Week Year 1 and 2 teachers made it a point to read these books in class. Year 3 pupils created a book entitled The Dragon Story. They were given a template of this book, which included format, pictures and a few sentences. These books were also exhibited.

Year 4 pupils presented reviews of books they had read, while Year 5 children brought their favourite book from home. Year 6 children were asked to research information on children's authors. Information was gathered on authors, such as Roald Dahl, Linda Chapman, Enid Blyton, John Irving, Nancy Carlson and many others.

The complementary teacher also held a storytelling activity with a group of children from Year 6. The teacher first read the story from a big book called Butterfly Kiss, followed by the students' review. The parents could see their children's work at the Book Fair, where there was a vast selection of books by two major distributors.

Mrs Brown, a retired teacher who visits the school every week, drew different charts to promote reading. During the week she also held English conversation lessons about stories and books. Kindergarten assistants also held storytelling activities in class.

Moreover, as part of Book Week, Maltese children's author Natalie Portelli was invited to school and held a storytelling session.

We believe Book Week has had an impact on the children. Every child is entitled to temptations - to read and write creatively - and every school has a duty to provide them. All these activities have helped raise the profile of independent reading and continue reinforcing a reading community.