Book Week at Grace is a special time dedicated to celebrating stories, imagination, and the joy of reading. Last week, both Grace Early Years (GEY) and Grace Secondary School (GSS) embraced the spirit of literature through a variety of engaging activities that highlighted the importance of storytelling and literacy.
Grace Early Years (GEY) Book Week Activities
Our youngest readers at GEY experienced a week full of meaningful literary activities. Parent reading sessions allowed mums and dads to share their favourite stories, strengthening the connection between home and school. The joy of storytelling was further highlighted when the “big kids” from GSS visited to read to the “little kids,” fostering mentorship skills and community.
Dressing up added to the fun, with Pajama Day turning classrooms into cosy reading havens. Students arrived in their pyjamas, bringing along their favourite books, pillows, and blankets. On Dress as Your Favourite Book Character Day, children excitedly embodied beloved fictional figures, from adventurous explorers to magical creatures. The week also featured an engaging puppet show, where characters from favourite tales were brought to life through vibrant performances.
Grace Secondary School (GSS) Book Week Activities
Meanwhile, at GSS, students took a deeper dive into literature. One of the most anticipated events was the Shakespearean Insult Contest, which introduced students to the wit and wordplay of the Bard. Shakespeare’s plays are filled with inventive insults, such as “thou art a boil, a plague-sore, an embossed carbuncle in my corrupted blood” (King Lear) and “Away, you three-inch fool!” (The Taming of the Shrew). Students creatively crafted their own Shakespearean insults, bringing laughter and learning together.
Jennings Hall transformed into a Book Fair, courtesy of Book Worm, providing students with the opportunity to explore and purchase new books to expand their personal libraries. The Book of the Bible Cup Sorting Activity encouraged reflection on biblical texts in an interactive way, while a Book Week Fun Quiz tested students’ literary knowledge. The week ended with a Book Character Dress Up Day, where creativity flourished as students brought their favourite stories to life through costumes.
The Impact of Book Week
Book Week at Grace is more than just a celebration—it is a reminder of the lasting benefits of reading and storytelling. Research consistently shows the powerful impact of early and consistent exposure to literature:
- Cognitive Development: Studies indicate that children who are regularly read to have a 1.4 million-word advantage in vocabulary exposure by the time they reach kindergarten (Ohio State University, 2019).
- Academic Success: Reading for pleasure is the single most important factor in a child’s future academic achievement, more so than their family’s socio-economic status (OECD, 2002).
- Emotional and Social Benefits: Engaging with stories builds empathy and emotional intelligence. A 2020 study found that reading fiction enhances a person’s ability to understand and relate to others’ emotions.
- Long-Term Career Benefits: Strong reading and literacy skills correlate with higher levels of employment and income, as seen in numerous labour market studies.
Looking Ahead: GPS Book Week
The excitement for books continues as GPS Book Week begins on 16 March. We look forward to another fantastic celebration of reading and storytelling!
A Thank You to Our Supporters
A heartfelt thank you to the parents, teachers, and students who made Book Week 2025 a success. Your enthusiasm and dedication help cultivate a lifelong love of reading among our students. Let’s continue to embrace the magic of literature throughout the year!
