IN celebration of World Book Day (5th March), Barratt Homes partnered with Hailsham Academy and organised Sussex storyteller Helen Tozer to read a selection of books to honour the day of literature.
National Literacy Trust announced only 32% of children aged 8 to 18 enjoy reading in their spare time. To help encourage a love of books among young people, Barratt Homes arranged the visit for pupils to enjoy an interactive session with Helen, inspiring their imaginations while supporting literacy in the community as the housebuilders deliver new homes nearby at Cuckoo Fields.
World Book Day is an annual event held to promote the joy of reading, publishing, and authors, particularly among children. The storytelling activity helped the children engage in new stories to develop their literacy understanding and imagination.
120 KS2 pupils listened as Helen read the story of the Lorax and told ecology folk tales.
Katie Piggott, Teaching and Learning Lead at Hailsham Academy, commented: “Our pupils really enjoyed the storytelling session, and it was lovely to see their excitement as the story unfolded. Workshops like this are a great way to inspire a love of reading and spark their imaginations.”
Helen Tozer commented: “Storytelling is a fantastic way to spark curiosity and encourage children to explore books. It was great to see how engaged the pupils were throughout the session, and I hope it has kick-started a new passion for reading.”
Phil Hurring, Marketing Manager at Barratt Redrow Southern Counties, commented: “Reading plays a fundamental role in the development of young children, so as we create new communities at Cuckoo Fields, it’s essential that local pupils are given the chance to recognise its value and nurture a lasting love of reading.”
