PRIMARY school kids in Northwich have been learning the tricks of reading for pleasure while earning one of childhood’s greatest distinctions.
Charles Darwin Community Primary School celebrated World Book Day a bit differently this year – by inviting kids to come into school in their most comfortable pyjamas to curl up for a nice old read.
But it was downtime with a purpose. When staff heard of a new Blue Peter badge, especially designed for readers, they thought it was too good an opportunity to pass up.
Teachers set out collecting the paperwork needed from parents at the beginning of January, and on World Book Day – Thursday, March 7 - the kids completed the reading activities needed to gain the badge.
Head teacher, Marianne Bennett, said: “This is what Charles Darwin is all about.
“We try our best to create all sorts of opportunities for the children, and a Blue Peter badge is a wonderful thing to have.
“They were all invited to come into school in their comfiest clothes so they could know the genuine pleasure of curling up with a good book.
“Some brought books from home, including favourites they’d had since they were babies, and each class received a new book bought with rewards from our November Book Fair.”
While a Blue Peter badge itself is loaded with kudos, there are also tangible benefits of belonging to the prestigious club.
Holders get free entry into more than 200 attractions around the UK, including theme parks, zoos, and historic castles.
Seven-year-old Charles Dawin pupil, River Boothby, said: “When I get my badge, I’m going to go to Blackpool Pleasure Beach and go on all the rides for free. I’ve not been since I was little.
“My favourite book is How to Train Your Dragon because I just love dragons, and I also love The Snail and the Whale because I read it every night when I was a baby.”
Charles Darwin mum, Tina Baker, said: “This is such a fantastic thing for the school to do for our children.
“I’m really excited, not to mention enormously jealous, about my son’s Blue Peter badge.
“We aim to visit as many attractions as we can for free in the coming months and my son can’t wait to show off his badge.”
Year-two teacher, Grace Richardson, said: “I only started Charles Darwin recently and I’ve loved being part of our unique World Book Day celebrations.
"The kids are really excited about gaining their Blue Peter badges and we had such a lovely day reading, watching author zooms, and sharing our favourite stories.”
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