Reading for pleasure has an impact on a child’s attainment across the curriculum, but is most easily applied to their writing. This year’s 500 Words competition is inviting children to write for their most discerning audience… themselves.
A child who reads widely has a bank of language, character and setting possibilities at their disposal. They have a developing sense of what they like to read, and want to write. 500 Words will enable children to draw on what they like and what they don’t, to create stories that they both enjoy writing and, more importantly, want to read.
CEO, Cassie Chadderton says: "As the DfE’s recent reading framework outlines, an enjoyment of reading helps children to overcome inequality and disadvantage, to have better mental wellbeing and be happier, and to do better at school. It will also help children develop empathy and creativity – the essential ingredients of storytelling. We want every child to discover a love of reading by choosing what they read. Our resources help support children to engage with the joy of reading - on their own terms."
It can be difficult for children who haven’t yet developed a reading for pleasure habit to choose a book to read. World Book Day has created these resources to support students to articulate their preferences - either by referring to a liked text or imagining a book they think that doesn’t exist.
World Book Day has partnered with 500 Words to create some resources for you and your pupils to discuss personal reading preferences with their peers, to help to identify areas of shared interest and can be used a brief for their 500 words writing.
Need more inspiration?
Back to 500 Words
Click here for more information on 500 Words.
Blue Peter Book Club on Bitesize
A collection of Bitesize guides featuring each book from the Blue Peter Book Club. Explore more and develop your reading and writing skills.
An overview of 500 Words
Here's everything you need to know for 500 Words, the UK’s most successful children’s writing competition.
