Last Friday, Kennet Valley School celebrated the reading successes of the past year with a summer party. Each year the school runs a reading reward scheme to encourage children to read as much at home and in school as they can. This year the children were awarded ‘Brag Tags’ for each 30 home reads that they completed. At the party the ‘Brag tags’ could be spent on items such as soft drinks, snacks, face paints and glow sticks.
Mrs Byford, Kennet Valley School teacher, commented, “We love reading at Kennet Valley and have just applied for the Wiltshire year of Reading Silver Award and are crossing fingers that we are awarded it. Having a reading reward system means that children are keen to make sure that they read as much as possible at home and we know that this makes a real difference in school – not only to their reading but to other aspects of the curriculum such as creative writing.
The after school summer party on, which was the hottest day of the year, inevitably involved water and was a great way for everyone to cool off. There were silly party games, party food and ice-lollies and the grand finale – a whole school water battle.
This was amazing – most children had brought their own super soaker and the school provided a huge supply of water balloons too. Staff and children alike battled it out to make sure that by the end of the day, everyone was completely soaked. It was hilarious to witness and the children were delighted to take part.
Thank you to all of the staff who helped with the set-up, stayed for the party and joined in with all the fun and games. It was a wonderful party and we know that all of our children enjoyed it. We also want to say thank you to all the parents who take the important time to read with their children each evening – this makes such a difference. We are already planning next year’s reward scheme and can’t wait to launch it in September.”
Kennet Valley School pupils learn about the River Kennet
