Today I realised something very exciting! Did you know that you’re all readers now, every single one of you? I don’t mean that you all can read, because you’ve been able to do that since you were in Reception and Year One. That’s a different kind of reading, working out what all the sounds are and how to put them together. I mean that you’re readers; real, genuine, passionate readers. I spent a lot of time thinking about it on my way to school this morning (there was bad fog so I had to drive very slowly), and I’m going to try and show you that I’m right.
You’re readers because you remind me every single time when I forget about you sharing our Poem of the Day. You’re readers because you work brilliantly together to tidy up before story time, which means that you can squeeze every last minute out of it. You’re readers because you all get excited whenever a new book arrives in the classroom. You’re readers because you work so hard to keep the school library up and running. You’re readers because you love talking about your favourite books at every possible opportunity. You’re readers because you want to share the books you enjoy with children lower down the school.
In fact, now that I’ve started, let me be even more specific…
Lauren, you’re a reader because as soon as you found out that there was another book written by Katherine Rundell, you marched straight down to the school library to find it.
Troy, you’re a reader because you think very carefully about which picture book you’re going to share with the children in Reception at story time.
Liam, you’re a reader because you love looking at books with beautiful illustrations and trying to recreate them.
Charley, you’re a reader because you got so emotionally involved when we read One Dog and His Boy together and sat there with tears streaming down your face.
Isobel, you’re a reader because you squealed with joy when you found out that there might be a third Varjak Paw book one day.
Nico, you’re a reader because you insisted that your mum read Wonder straight after you did, so that she could see what you were so excited about.
Gracie, you’re a reader because you spend every spare minute talking about how amazing you think Lyra Belacqua and Katniss Everdeen are.
Rubie, you’re a reader because you read the books that you enjoy and you don’t care what anyone else thinks about them.
Hollie, you’re a reader because you spend your playtimes reading the Eddie poems by Michael Rosen to anyone who'll listen.
Jack, you’re a reader because you love sending the class photos on Twitter of the purchases you make at the different bookshops you visit.
Andrew, you’re a reader because you can recall almost every record from Guinness World Records 2017 and you know straight away where to find any that you’re not sure of.
Alfie, you’re a reader because you can remember exactly what happened on page 264 of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (and on any page of any other Harry Potter book).
Marley, you’re a reader because you’ve read so many books and you’re always happy to share recommendations with your friends.
Layla, you’re a reader because you can give a detailed plot summary of every Jacqueline Wilson book ever published.
Oliver, you’re a reader because you’ve quietly been working your way through the Young Samurai series since September.
James, you’re a reader because you love finding out extra facts about whatever topic we’re studying, and you start virtually every sentence with ‘Did you know...?’
Romy, you’re a reader because you always want to try books that you shouldn’t really be reading quite yet. Don’t worry, their time will come…and when it does, you’ll love them even more.
Leo, you’re a reader because you carefully take your signed Tom Palmer book out of your drawer and sit reading it with a contented smile on your face.
Jack, you’re a reader because you’re not afraid to change a book that you’re not enjoying.
Gabriella, you’re a reader because you read Bridge to Terabithia time and time again. It’s wonderful that you enjoy it so much!
Christian, you’re a reader because you come in every morning (without fail!) and tell me about the latest developments in the Once series.
Sonny, you’re a reader because you turn up at school book council meetings absolutely full of fantastic suggestions about which books we can buy for the school.
James, you’re a reader because, after a whole year of reading nothing but Beast Quest, you were brave and tried the Ranger’s Apprentice books and The Hobbit. And Christian was right, you loved them!
Taylor, you’re a reader because you discovered the Barnaby Grimes books by Chris Riddell and are happy to tell everyone you meet about how exciting you think they are.
Maddison, you’re a reader because you got so angry and frustrated during ‘that’ chapter in Wonder.
Have I proved my point Deer Class? I really hope so. Thinking about all of this today meant that it was the most heart-warming and enjoyable drive to school that I’ve had for a very long time, so thank you all!
Mr Biddle
Well done Deer Class and a big cheer for Mr Biddle. Great idea.
ReplyDeleteThis made me cry.
ReplyDeleteWow Deer class what amazing readers you are some of you are reading some of my favourite books. Lauren I have Katherine Rundell's latest book on my shelf, I can't wait to read it I loved Rooftoppers and I have a signed copy. Keep reading.
ReplyDeleteWow Deer class what amazing readers you are some of you are reading some of my favourite books. Lauren I have Katherine Rundell's latest book on my shelf, I can't wait to read it I loved Rooftoppers and I have a signed copy. Keep reading.
ReplyDeleteWell done all of you! Gracie you are quite right Lyra definitely rocks, have you read Lirael yet? Sure you will love her just as much. Oliver perhaps you should share how cool Akiko is with Gracie :-)
ReplyDeleteYep I shed a tear (or a few)! Lovely and inspiring:)
ReplyDeleteMr Biddle & the Deer class! This is a wonderful letter and my heart is full of joy reading it. Not only has this class got fantastic readers (who will become quite clever because that's what happens to people who read books!) but Mr B has noticed what stars you are and taken the time to tell you all. What a great variety of books you are reading; I enjoyed reading Wonder very much too and Hunger Games and I love Michael Rosen's poetry and Chris Riddell's illustrations. Have fun reading and recommending books to each other.
ReplyDeleteThat's very impressive Deer class. You all sound like people with lots of interesting things to say because you read so much. The world is open to people who read. Your teacher also sounds like a very inspirational person. Keep reading!
ReplyDeleteDeer Class, that's just lovely. How lucky you are to have Mr Biddle, and how lucky he is to have you. Have you seen the poster for The Rights of the Reader by Daniel Pennac, illustrated by Quentin Blake?
ReplyDeletehttps://melliber.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/rights-of-the-reader-poster1.jpg?w=600
I think you could probably think of 10 more!