Friday 26 February 2016

Author Visit

We are so lucky!




Mark Huckerby and Nick Ostler, the brilliant authors of the 'Defender of the Realm' are coming into visit our children in years 4, 5 and 6 next Tuesday 1st March.


'Defender of the Realm' is the first book in a royal superhero fantasy adventure about Prince Alfie, heir to the throne. Mark and Nick are talented TV scriptwriters of shows such as "Peter Rabbit" and "Danger Mouse" and 'Defender of the Realm' is their first children's book.
Published on 3rd March, World Book Day and we are getting a preview and a chance to purchase copies at a discounted price.




Remember our Book Fair opens on Thursday 3rd March. Come and join us!




World Book Day - Dress Up Day



Wednesday 24 February 2016

Jeremy Strong Visit

JEREMY STRONG







Year 4 were extremely lucky to be welcomed to Highgate School to meet Jeremy Strong. The author of hilarious books such as 'Doctor Bonkers'. 'My Brother's Famous Bottom' and 'The Hundred-Mile- An-Hour Dog'.


The author told us about himself, what inspires his writing and how he has come to have written over 100 books! The children laughed from start to finish as the witty author gave away all of his tricks of the trade. He needs peace and quiet and refreshments when he works so he locks himself away in a shed in his garden with the company of his cat and his fridge!
He also let us in on the secret that he can only ever write in black ink and on pages with no lines!!

His work was truly put to the test when Jeremy chose Agatha from Sapphire Class to read some of his handwriting. It was impossible as it was so messy. Even Jeremy could not read it. He now does all his work on a computer so that it is legible.


Check out more about this hilarious author and his books on his website http://www.jeremystrong.co.uk/







Tuesday 23 February 2016

World Book Day






World Book Day 2016 takes place on Thursday 3rd March.


Everyone will be given an extra special £1 World Book Day Book Token. The Book Token is a gift from booksellers and book publishers and can be exchanged for one of TEN exclusive World Book Day £1 books OR used to get £1 off any full-price book which costs £2.99 or more.


Don't forget to dress up as your favourite book character.

There will be prizes of £5 Book Fair Vouchers for the best costumes.


Visit http://www.worldbookday.com/  further information


Wishing you a wonderful World Book Day 2016!


Book Fair - 3rd March 2016


Friday 5 February 2016

The Reading Cloud - One Year Old!



The Reading Cloud is a year old!



Here is a little reminder.


 The Reading Cloud is a fantastic online reading community designed to engage students, parents, teachers and librarians in reading for pleasure.

The system allows pupils, staff and parents to view our school library catalogue online and pupils are encouraged to use this to help with research, to write reviews about books they have read, blog about what they are reading and their favourite authors and search for new books and other library resources.


Children also have the ability to chat about books with their friends in this safe environment.  Staff will be using this too to ensure that it is moderated and used sensibly.  The chat facility will allow us to introduce the idea of social networking for children in a safe environment which is focussed around reading.  We would also encourage children to use the ‘Home Library’ function to catalogue books they have at home which can then be shared with friends.

The system includes a fantastic new feature called ‘Who Next’ which recommends new books and authors based on the books that your child has already read.  You will be able to use this feature at home to help your child select their next book.

You can access the system via the school website under the 'Library' tab or directly using the following link:  www.ilovereadingatstjosephs.blogspot.com.

If you have access to an iPhone, iPod touch or Android phone, then you can also download a new App called ‘iMLS’ to access the library from those devices.  The app is available from the App Store and Android Market.


Having the library accessible in this way and having parents engaged with reading, will help to support our commitment to improving literacy standards.



Your child's username and password are on their library card or in their school diary.




If you need a reminder of your child's username or password or need any assistance using the READING CLOUD please contact the School Librarian.



We hope you are enjoying the new facility.



Thursday 4 February 2016

Jeremy Strong

Fabulous News!



On Monday 8th February Year 4 children will be going to Highgate School to meet one of the most popular children's authors in the world, JEREMY STRONG.



The children will have a chance to meet him and purchase signed copies of his books such as 'The Cartoon Kid' series, 'The Hundred-Mile-An-Hour Dog! series and 'My Brother's Famous Bottom' series.

Will report back!