Children sometimes love a story so much they hate for it to end. We had just finished reading The Gruffalo (see right) when one of the children asked, what could we do next? We decided that it would be a great idea to make up our own sequel.
The children drew pictures and we encouraged them to make up storylines. The children even made up their own recipe book consisting of scrambled snake, owl ice cream and roasted fox. We laminated the book and displayed it in our story corner.
Since the first book we have made 14 others. The 30 children take it in turns in groups of five or six to make their own books. We have created a sequel to another favourite, Jack's Mouse (Mammoth, 4.99), where the mouse ended up getting married and having a family in a wonderful new field.
The children became so excited about their own ideas becoming a book that they began to make up a story about the nursery garden with butterflies coming to visit and making friends with them. They have also written books drawing on everyday experiences, such as going to a party and meeting a clown.
Making their own books is a great way for the children to take part in discussions and develop imagination. Their self-esteem and confidence have grown and quiet children have opened up while working with friends. The children have also become more aware of the layout of books and their word recognition has improved.
We have also involved the parents by allowing the children to take the books home to share. This has made parents more aware of how important reading is.
I would recommend this idea to other nurseries because it offers endless possibilities. So far we have made one book every week and we intend to continue to do so as long as the children are interested.
Mahrukh Choughtai spoke to nursery supervisor Caroline Withers
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* The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Alex Scheffler (Macmillan's Children's Books, 4.99), is a rhyming story about a clever mouse. As he walks in a dangerous forest, he invents tales of a fantastic creature called a Gruffalo to scare off his enemies. Imagine his surprise when he meets a real Gruffalo!