1st November is recognised by many as Author’s Day and is an opportunity for adults and children to celebrate authors that they love and their literature. It was initiated in 1928 by the Illinois Women’s Club who wanted to show their appreciation for writers. It was promoted by Sue Cole in 1968 to “brighten up the sometimes lonely business of being a writer.”
Being a writer certainly doesn’t have to be a lonely activity at school, in fact Author’s Day can be used to celebrate literature and authors in the classroom and the playground. Taking literacy outside is a great way to encourage a love of reading and there are lots of ways to use Playforce resources for outdoor learning. We have a wide range of high-quality, long-lasting furniture, outdoor classrooms and shelters and fun dens for all-weather literacy activities.
Our imaginative play, role play and discovery resources also work really well as prompts or creative resources to support literacy activities. Here are just a few book-related activities you might enjoy:
- Bring historical stories and fairy tales to life with these Freestanding Castle Panels, available with additional Barbican, Ramparts, Drawbridge and Pinnacle for extra authenticity;
- Young pirates, sailors, mermaids and fishermen will really enjoy this superb timber Pirate Ship – the perfect base for stories set on or around the sea. Aha me hearties!
- This hard-wearing outdoor Train Set is a great place to tell stories about travel, journeys and train rides. All aboard!
- Our natural Hazel Den Range is perfect for small group literacy work or guided reading – available as a Castle, House, Tipi or Tunnel.
To find out how you can celebrate authors and literacy throughout the school year, book a free consultation with one of our local advisors. We can help you create an outstanding outdoor space that will make it easy to move from the classroom to the playground in all areas of the curriculum.