Celebrating World Book Day
March 07, 2024Posted by:
7th March was World Book Day – an annual celebration of authors, illustrators, books and the joy of reading! As an organisation with an ambition to create and deliver the most effective literacy support programme in the country, this day holds particular significance. We know that strong literacy skills unlock countless opportunities, and throughout the prisons in which we deliver education, World Book Day fueled lots of activity designed to encourage learners to discover the joy of reading and the potential it holds for their futures.
Doors were decorated in the style of book covers and colleagues dressed up as their favourite book characters, including all the education team at HMP Littlehey dressing up as ‘Where’s Wally’, and ‘Matilda’ made an appearance at HMP Lincoln.
Reading and books were able to extend into the kitchen where our restaurant ‘Bertie’s’ at HMP Lincoln themed their menu for the day around some popular children’s stories - An Alice in Wonderland afternoon tea, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs baguette or Bruce Bogtrotters Chocolate Cake with a choice of cream!
One of the most popular activities across the estate was the ‘Blind Date with a Book’ initiative where books had their covers encased in brown paper so the learners were not able to select their choice based on the cover. This facilitated a really positive discussion with the men around books and reading. One learner in art was delighted to receive Micah Richard’s autobiography because he loves sporting books and couldn’t believe “it was a nearly new copy.” Another learner said “Can we do this again? It’s a really good idea.” One learner in maths received “A woman in black” and is now going to compare the book to the film despite thinking there might not be any difference between the two – he is going to report back on his findings!
World Book Day crept into the maths classes too where learners completed an activity around the rising costs of World Book Day, comparing and contrasting two different articles around the topic, completing a budgeting exercise for a single-parent with three children and a low-income, contributing to a group discussion and writing a formal letter or an email in response to a school appeal.
The art departments got really creative designing their own book covers and book marks, as well as recreating some of their favourite characters in children’s story books, including The Gruffalo. Book hunts, quizzes and group discussions have all been inspired by World Book Day, which although takes place on 7th March many of our teams have been inspired by for weeks.
A very special activity has been organised across a number of the prisons including HMP Morton Hall in partnership with Storybook Dads, where the prisoners were recorded reading a book which was then played to their children at home. Many men arrived at the prison not able to read at all, so being able to read an entire short story for their child is a huge achievement.
One learner said “I always struggled to read when I was young, I hated school. I was diagnosed with dyslexia aged 32 when I was in prison. I got support and passed my level 1 English – I worked really hard to get this! I enjoy reading now and it helps me escape my thoughts and helps me everyday.”
Many individuals entering our prison system face significant challenges with literacy, often possessing reading and writing skills equivalent to an 11-year-old. The work of our dedicated teams is crucial. Our education programmes and the safe environment of the libraries and reading corners in every classroom at PeoplePlus Education provide a safe space for individuals to develop essential literacy skills. By supporting them with the ability to read and write confidently, they are better enabled to not only prepare for release, but to access education and employment opportunities upon release.
March 07, 2024Posted by:
