Beancross Primary School in Grangemouth recently won a national literacy award for its work - in the words of the Scottish Book Trust - “to increase reading for pleasure in creative ways involving all ages and types of reader”.
After the school learned it had won School Reading Journey Award in the First Minister’s Reading Challenge, acting principal teacher Lauren Miller shared with Tes Scotland the 10 favourite books of the school’s additional support needs (ASN) pupils.
1. Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell (Early Level)
Children love lifting the flaps to discover which animal the zoo has sent.
2. The Colour Monster by Anna Llenas (Early Level/First Level)
The pop-up pictures help children identify their emotions using colours. One of the most popular books in our class libraries.
3. The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister (Early Level/First Level)
Children enjoy finding the foil stamping on each page while learning the benefits of friendship and sharing. A great story for starting school.
4. Funnybones by Allan Ahlberg (First Level)
A series of books with a text that is easy to read and repetitive that helps build reading skills through humour. Perfect for the run-up to Halloween.
5. Judy Moody by Megan McDonald (First/Second Level)
A series of books that are great for children transitioning from easy readers to chapter books as well as reluctant readers.
6. The Hundred-Mile-an-Hour Dog by Jeremy Strong (First Level)
Dyslexia-friendly text with lots of child-friendly illustrations. A fun adventurous story filled with humour that both boys and girls enjoy.
7. The Butterfly Lion by Michael Morpurgo (First/Second Level)
A heart-warming and emotional story that is short enough for children to read independently. Author Michael Morpurgo also works with Scottish children’s book publisher Barrington Stoke to produce books for dyslexic children and reluctant readers.
8. Wonder by RJ Palacio (Second Level)
An uplifting and accessible story that teaches children the importance of being kind to each other. A story told from different characters perspectives and how their actions impact others. There is now a picturebook edition for younger children to enjoy, too.
9. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne (Second Level)
An excellent yet heartbreaking story centred on friendship at a concentration camp. Dyslexia-friendly text.
10. Children’s Illustrated Encyclopedia (DK Books)
Written in a clear and child-friendly style. Another popular choice in our class libraries with children that are interested in a particular area or improving their general knowledge.
Lauren Miller is acting principal teacher at Beancross Primary School, in Grangemouth, Scotland
