BGU Student Nominated for Place on UK Literacy Association Panel

Education Studies students at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) are getting ready to vote for their favourite new children’s book this Friday after taking part in the United Kingdom Literacy Association (UKLA) Book Awards Student Shadowing Award Programme.

The national scheme takes place each year and offers students around the UK the chance to vote for their favourite new children’s book in a range of age group categories.

The students involved have been meeting in their free time to read and discuss the shortlisted books in the 3-6 age category, with Helen Hendry, Education Studies tutor and Janice Morris, children’s librarian,

One student in particular has been so involved that they have been nominated for a sponsored place at the forthcoming UKLA International conference in Cardiff.

To be awarded the conference place, students must demonstrate an outstanding contribution to the shadowing process. Hayley Booth, a second year Education Studies student at BGU, used one of the shortlisted texts ‘The Night Gardener’ by the Fan brothers as a creative stimulus for teaching in a recent school placement.

She also involved her Year 1/2 class in sharing all the shortlisted books. This then led to an in school book display as well as many repeated readings of ‘Oi Dog!’ by Kes and Claire Gray, which was picked out by the pupils as their favourite.

Speaking on taking part in the award and building the UKLA nominated books into her teaching Hayley said:

“I really enjoyed reading the nominated books and being able to use them when I was on placement to see what the children thought of them. It gave me an insight into popular picture-book authors and what I can use in future lessons when I become a teacher”

We hope that Hayley will be selected by the panel to attend the three day UKLA conference and get to meet the authors and illustrators in person in July.

You can find more information on all our course, including Education Studies, on our website or by contacting our Enquiries Team.