Last year, our chosen text for World Book Day was The Owl and the Pussycat by Edward Lear.
‘The Owl and the Pussycat’ was first published in Lear’s 1871 collection Nonsense Songs, Stories, Botany, and Alphabets. The poem, in summary, tells of the love between the owl and the pussycat and their subsequent marriage – with the turkey presiding over the wedding. They obtain the wedding ring from a pig, who sells them his for a shilling.
In 1995, it was voted Britain’s 45th favourite poem and in 2014, it was voted the nation’s favourite childhood poem.
Using various editions, the children will be introduced to this fantastical romp – which can be enjoyed on many different levels – appreciating the delicious use of language, rhyme and imagery.
At Sherington, we choose to focus on one text as we believe that the rationale for the day is to highlight the joy of being fully-immersed in a quality piece of literature. We utilise the power of the text to increase engagement and raise attainment, whilst introducing the children to a range of diverse narratives. Using a single stimulus enables a progressive approach to learning and a shared ethos.
On World Book Day itself, children and staff dressed as characters/images/items/inspiration from the poem. Once again, the results were highly imaginative; using one text from which to take inspiration results in exceptionally creative costumes and a point of reference for all on the day. During the morning, children had the opportunity to visit other classrooms and work with different teachers on a carousel of activities.
