Read blog sent to us from Mean Scoil Nua an Triuigh Transition Year pupils.
Two teams within Transition Year competed against each other, with the aim of promoting literacy for a week in the school. Both teams put together a programme of events which aimed to recapture the spirit of reading among the pupils of Mean Scoil Nua an Leith-Triuigh. The competition was strong and I’m delighted to hear from the students that, Literacy Week was fun, interesting and exciting! said their English teacher Miss. Blennerhassett. During the week, students were given one period a day where they were allowed to read their chosen book, this will ‘really kick-start the Readathon and foster an appreciation for literature, especially when they see their different teachers taking part as well’ said Mr Laurenson. The students are also getting involved in the annual "MS READaTHON" organised by Ms. Flynn to raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis.
‘The Transition Years are a very enthusiastic bunch and they must be congratulated on the fantastic job they did. During Literacy Week we saw the students to fall in love with literature again.’ said Miss Blennerhassett, ‘It’s all about doing something a little bit different, finding a common ground between books and entertainment. It’s superb, the students are now reading in their spare time, which is great and will of course benefit them in the long-run when it comes to their exams’. One team, ‘The Ladybirds’ created a reading room which they decorated and stocked full of books to entertain all taste buds, a tea party was held in the ‘Ladybird’s Leaf’ on Thursday which brought all students together and encouraged them to discuss and read their favourite books. The students worked alongside their teachers through team-teaching when they themselves spoke to first, second and third years and outlined the importance of reading. They engaged with the pupils through fun activities, book title charades, poster making campaigns and essay competitions. They created class-room door hangers which named the student and their chosen book, pupils made personalised bookmarks with their favourite quotes from Shakespeare and they also designed special dust covers for their books which featured their favourite characters. ‘All of these activities get students thinking about their books, it generates an interest and develops the passion for reading which is in danger of dying in this new age of technology’ said Miss Blennerhassett. The Ladybirds put their wood work class to good use by making sign posts to direct students to their literacy room, the "Ladybird's Leaf". Here students were welcomed and encouraged to read and discuss their books at lunch times. The other team, "The Worms" got very busy with their markers and celebrated the idea by designing a student corner, with comfy seats, tables and books. They also organised a pop-corn reading festival in their "Literacy Lounge".
Overall the week was a huge success and the school will be running it as an annual event from now on. The TY students would like to encourage others to take on board this idea….spread the word…get reading and Bring Books Back into Fashion!