Reading Den

Books are a wonderful way to share special time together. At Rachel Keeling we have books everywhere: story books, picture books, information books, books made by the children and the children's own Special Books.
Our children and families love to share and borrow books and this term sees our new Book Breakfast sessions where families and children can come and share their favourite books over a healthy breakfast. 
Staff noted through observation that children regularly accessed reference books to help identify birds and flora and fauna in our garden but children were not choosing to share stories as much. As a reflective school, staff considered why this might be the case and decided to create a wonderful reading den with children to inspire them to share more story books outside. 
Staff supported children to think creatively. With a minimal budget and our ethos of being thoughtful when buying resources they did a great job! A derelict archway was adopted and children measured and ordered a tarpaulin to weatherproof it. They also chose lights and reflective hangings to enhance the ceiling and to create a cosy space. Children helped to create boxes of their favourite stories. The boxes were recycled from a chest of drawers dumped in a skip outside our school! Children and staff brought pillows and a sleeping bag outside as the cold weather continued. A sign was made and children and staff have really enjoyed using it to share stories and be together. It withstood the high winds last week intact and we look forward to many months of reading in the garden with children and families.