Hundreds of primary school pupils in Suffolk were immersed in the world of books this week, as a two-day literacy event sought to reignite their love for reading. Held at the University of Suffolk on 13 and 14 July, the initiative saw authors and illustrators host engaging workshops and presentations for 400 children from schools in the Leiston and coastal Suffolk areas.
The event, a collaboration between the University of Suffolk, Kingfisher Schools Trust, and local newspapers the East Anglian Daily Times (EADT) and Ipswich Star, aimed to make reading a fun and accessible activity. University Chancellor and children's author Zeb Soanes, known for his 'Gaspard the Fox' series, performed a captivating reading, complete with live illustrations and music. Mr Soanes, appointed chancellor last year, highlighted the university's role as a civic institution, stating that allowing children to experience it as a creative and fun space was a "fantastic thing for them to experience."
The push to encourage reading comes amidst growing concerns about declining literacy levels and enjoyment among young people. This year marks the National Year of Reading, a backdrop against which a recent report by the National Literacy Trust revealed a significant drop in reading enjoyment. Last year, only 32.7% of children and young people aged eight to 18 reported enjoying reading in their free time, marking the lowest figure in two decades.
Teachers attending the event observed its positive impact. Jennie Bones, a teacher at Saxmundham Primary School, noted the inspiring effect on her pupils, saying, "I'm watching them and every single child has been drawing and is engaged in what we're doing." Ten-year-old Abel, also from Saxmundham Primary, echoed this sentiment, emphasising how reading allows imagination to "run wild" and can be a shared experience with family and friends.
This literacy drive is part of a broader, year-long campaign called 'Born & Read', spearheaded by Newsquest titles across Suffolk. The campaign, in partnership with the National Centre for Writing and Suffolk Community Libraries, and supported by Sizewell C and Ipswich Town Football Club, recently included a creative competition for a story with 100 endings. Anna Starnes, editor of the EADT and Ipswich Star, underscored the importance of reading for pleasure, noting its strong correlation with children's success, confidence, and creativity.