TRAINEE teachers at the University of Worceter heard about the importance of reading and the role teachers can play in inspiring a love of literature with a visit from a former teacher turned author.
Andy Seed spoke with students on the PGCE Primary Education course about his own books but also the impact reading can have on young people’s lives.
He has written more than 30 books including The Silly Book of Side-Splitting Stuff, which won the 2015 Blue Peter Book Award, and the acclaimed funny children’s novel Prankenstein. He taught for 17 years before pursuing a writing career in 2001.
Andy spoke about how, as a teacher, he saw the benefits of reading to helping children succeed and develop into young people with understanding, knowledge and empathy.
He gave examples of how a teacher’s enthusiasm for books can inspire children to read and talked about the importance of knowing about a wide range of books and genres to cater for children’s different tastes and interests.
“Fewer and fewer young people are choosing to read and yet it remains the single most powerful force for shaping their future lives in positive ways. Teachers can influence children in regard to this but will only do so if they understand both the importance of it and the need to become readers of children’s books themselves.”
“Teacher trainees are important people,” he added.
“They’re the next generation of inspirers and role models for the children of tomorrow and so speaking to them is always a great opportunity to pass on experience, enthusiasm and perhaps a little wisdom, gained over many years in working in schools.”
Primary PGCE student Will Saunders, said: “I found the lecture very useful for understanding the range of possible reading styles and genres that are available to children.”
