The first few months of the year are always busy with school visits and 2017 is no exception. My school visit season got off to a lovely start last week with a day at one of my fantastic Patron of Reading Schools, Kensington Community Primary School in Liverpool. It was such a treat to see everyone again and spend the day plotting and solving mystery stories with the Y3 classes. We cracked codes, navigated our way around ancient maps, pieced together clues and tracked down the stolen treasure.
I was also honoured to be part of the whole school assembly launching Kensington as a School of Sanctuary. This is hugely important initiative is all about schools committing to being a safe and welcoming place for all, especially those seeking sanctuary. This could be people whose lives were in danger in their own country, who have troubles at home or are just looking for a space of safety.
We talked about the role of reading books in 'putting ourselves in others' shoes and I read an extract from the wonderful Azzi In Between by Sarah Garland. The children had lots of thoughtful answers and comments about Azzi's first day at her new school.
Over the next few weeks I'll be at schools in Birmingham, Essex, Oxford, Norfolk, and Buckinghamshire as well as several more right here in my lovely home city of Cambridge. I'm really looking forward to seeing you all there!
I was also honoured to be part of the whole school assembly launching Kensington as a School of Sanctuary. This is hugely important initiative is all about schools committing to being a safe and welcoming place for all, especially those seeking sanctuary. This could be people whose lives were in danger in their own country, who have troubles at home or are just looking for a space of safety.
We talked about the role of reading books in 'putting ourselves in others' shoes and I read an extract from the wonderful Azzi In Between by Sarah Garland. The children had lots of thoughtful answers and comments about Azzi's first day at her new school.
Over the next few weeks I'll be at schools in Birmingham, Essex, Oxford, Norfolk, and Buckinghamshire as well as several more right here in my lovely home city of Cambridge. I'm really looking forward to seeing you all there!