Boosting Literacy in Hastings Schools

Last month I spent a few days visiting seven schools in Hastings to help boost literacy as part of a project with the National Literacy Trust and Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

As the schools are near the coast, we focussed on Meet the Oceans and had a great time learning about all the oceans and seas and the plants and animals that live there.

The children especially loved my light-up jellyfish umbrella and the cuddly sea animals I brought with me. I was amazed that they could identify all the animals including a whale shark and walrus!

We know that children who have books at home become better readers and do better in school as a whole. So as part of the project, Bloomsbury have donated dozens of copies of Meet the Oceans to schools, helping to ensure children can take books home. The visits were free to schools and are part of a wider partnership with the publisher and the National Literacy Trust.

It was a great few days, if a little tiring and I was very touched at the warm welcome we received by all the schools involved!