Over 150 delegates attended the ‘More
than Words’ literacy conference, held at the Baths Hall on 27 April. This
prestigious event showcased the fantastic community literacy work taking place
across North Lincolnshire to raise awareness of the importance of reading for
pleasure. This progress was then placed in a national context as we welcomed
leading national speakers to Scunthorpe to discuss the latest research.
Delegates
had the opportunity to explore ways to further influence and promote reading
across schools, settings and community groups with exhibitors from
organisations including the Book Trust, Beanstalk and Reading Matters. Across
seminars attendees received expert advice on teaching poetry, galvanizing
teenagers to enjoy reading, developing critical thinking through picture books
and much more.
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At the Words Count draw-a-long events over 1300 children from local schools helped award-winning author and illustrator Nick Sharratt draw his wonderful characters. A fantastic day filled with fabulous stories and super sketching was enjoyed by all!
Nick was amazed at the quality of the work the pupils produced, we have some wonderful young illustrators living in North Lincolnshire!
One teacher said: "Fantastic experience! So glad we had the opportunity to take part. Our pupils returned to school buzzing with excitement"
Due to the overwhelming popularity of these events we are delighted to say that Nick will be returning to North Lincolnshire next year.
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As part of the Scunthorpe United Premier Reading Stars programme Study Parks and Words Count hosted a two day poetry workshop at Glanford Park.
Ten local schools took part in
exciting workshops given by guest poet Ian Bland. The days were
designed to encourage and improve reading in young people. The pupils and staff
had a great time joining in with Ian’s performance poems “Dinner Lady
Dance” and “Go to the Head” and then worked on creating their own poems. Sessions concluded with an X-Factor style audition with pupils performing their work.
It was a inspirational day and Ian had the children captivated right from the
moment he started. There was a lot of laughter from
everyone involved and pupils all left with a strong sense of achievement.
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Pupils at St Lawrence Academy have written the lyrics to their inspiring song 'Create the Change', which has helped to raise awareness of the importance of mental health.
Helen Parker (Extended Services and Anti-Bullying Co-ordinator at the Academy) explained the project:
"We decided to run a project which would create a Mental Health Song as this would develop; creative writing, literacy, reflection upon positive mental health, music, team ethos and peer support...we found this an innovative way to promote literacy across the curriculum.
"Mental Health is a priority which the students have encouraged thousands to reflect on and consider positive steps towards emotional wellbeing"
You can listen to the song here
Words Count are delighted to be one of the partners helping to bring grammy nominated orchestra Sinfonia Viva's Cabinet of Curiosity roadshow to Scunthorpe. North Lincolnshire is one of only five regions to host the tour, which features a state of the art transportable arena and an action packed programme of events.
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Monday 19 June, 7.30pm - Sinfonia Viva present Curiously Classical concert, featuring soulful renditions of popular classics - tickets available from www.vivaorch.co.uk or 0333 666 3366
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Tuesday 20 June, from 9.30am - North Lincolnshire Powerhouse festival - A celebration of North Lincolnshire’s innovation and achievements
as a cultural centre – featuring local talent! Enjoy
a variety of indoor and outdoor music, culture and arts activities,
performances and workshops – free and suitable for all ages.
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Tuesday 20 June, from 6pm-8.45pm - Powerhouse showcase - A series of performances based on the theme of power
and energy. Local acts include the
Rock Academy and other Music Hub bands, partners Humber Taiko, and Frederick
Gough School band in collaboration with Sinfonia Viva. Tickets, priced at £4, available from www.vivaorch.co.uk or 0333 666 3366
To stay up to date with all the latest information, follow the North Lincolnshire Council Facebook
National Book Start Week - 5-11 June
Join the following sessions for stories, rhymes and fun. All babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers welcome!
- Tuesday 6 June, 10am-10.45am, Brigg Library
- Wednesday 7 June, 10am-11.00am, Normanby Hall Country Park
- Thursday 8 June, 10am-11.00am, North Lincolnshire Central Library, Scunthorpe
- Thursday 8 June, 1:30pm-2.30pm, Winterton Library
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