Pupils at a Liverpool primary school are going mad for literature to mark World Poetry Day on Friday 21 March.
Children at St Teresa of Lisieux Catholic Primary School in Norris Green will be taking part in special rhyme, drama, writing and cartoon workshops run by performance poet Curtis Watt, author Steve Weatherill and cartoonist Mark Jackson.
It forms part of celebrations to mark the opening of a new library at the school – dedicated to the memory of late teacher Gill Day, who taught pupils from 1982 – 2012.
The new facility includes an inspirational ‘immersive space’ nicknamed ‘The Wow Room’ which encourages children to be creative.
It features special mood lighting, sound, and images projected on the walls and floor. There is also a whiteboard wall where the children can create images and create characters for their stories.
Reception teacher Elaine Whitehead, said: “It’s going to be a place where children and families can come together and learn more about the range and quality of children’s books that are available.
“Reading is a priority for our school and the new library and our Wow Room form part of our commitment to pupils and their families.”
The launch of the new facility comes as Liverpool celebrates the Year of Reading. Spearheaded by the Liverpool Learning Partnership and the Reader Organisation, it aims to make Liverpool the foremost reading city in the country.
Councillor Lana Orr, Mayoral Lead for Reading, said: “Encouraging a love of reading at an early age is hugely important and I am delighted that St Teresa’s is being so creative.
“I know the new library and Wow Room will be loved by pupils and parents alike.”
The work has been carried out as part of the amalgamation of the school, which was formerly a separate infant and junior school.
For more information about the Year of Reading visit http://www.cityofreaders.org/