Scotland's Champions
Anna is the Administrator of Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust and as you might expect, she is keen promoter of reading!
She is particularly enthusiastic about the One Book – One Edinburgh campaign to encourage everyone in the city to read Robert Louis Stevenson's brilliant adventure story, Kidnapped.
(To find our more about Edinburgh City of Literature click here www.cityofliterature.com)
I'm a Reading Champion because books are the best way to escape to new worlds, without even having to go outside!
To hear more from Ann, click here
Eilidh lives in Tullibody in Clackmannanshire and – along with her sister Shona, who is also a Reading Champion – she is one of the keenest and most enthusiastic readers Read Together has ever come across! Shona was a Blue Peter Book Award Young Judge in 2004 when she was eight and she enjoys talking to other people about her favourite books almost as much as she loves reading them.
I am a reading champion because I absolutely LOVE reading. People think reading is a solitary hobby but I've made lots of new friends through it. There is always a book to suit your mood no matter how you're feeling. Books conjure up things you've never dreamed of or make you look at everyday things from another perspective.
To hear more from Eilidh, click here
Yvonne Manning and the Falkirk Library Support for Schools Team
Yvonne Manning and the Falkirk LSS staff (Library Support for Schools) live, sleep, eat and breathe reading. They love it so much that they even have a special time once a week when they do nothing else but read. It's called DEAR time (see below and photo) and it's a brilliant Bright Idea!
We are Reading Champions because we are passionate about reading and books. Once a week we announce DEAR time (Drop Everything And Read) and everyone stops what they are doing and reads their book for 10 minutes. A wonderful 'busy' silence transforms the workplace into a place of calm. For a short while we are transported to another place within our books, and most of us remember to come back again!
To hear more from Falkirk LSS, click here
Kids' Lit QuizTM:The Dunblane High School Champions
Shona Sinclair
Shona Sinclair is the Learning Resource Centre Co–ordinator at Dunblane High School and for the past two years she has been coach and mentor of the enormously successful Dunblane High School Kids' Lit QuizTM Team.
Here's what she has to say about this amazing international literary quiz:
'Teams of four, aged 12–13, answer themed questions in a thrilling contest of their literary knowledge. It is an amazing and wonderful sight to see so many teams and supporters in the heats, and in the final, so full of enthusiasm and dynamism over books and reading.
This quiz was started 13 years ago in New Zealand by Wayne Mills (Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Education, University of Auckland) to reward and encourage keen readers. He brought it to the UK last year and it is now set to go world–wide, with teams from New Zealand, the UK and South Africa competing in 2005 and China and Canada in negotiation for the year after.
Success in the quiz really does open doors to other worlds, as the national winners can visit New Zealand for the ultimate test, The Paper Plus Kids' Lit QuizTM. Last year a team from Dunblane High School won the Scottish heat and the British final of the quiz, allowing them the amazing opportunity of visiting New Zealand for the trip of a lifetime and of becoming New Zealand champions, 2004.
In November 2004, another team from Dunblane retained the Scottish title.' (For more information see www.kidslitquiz.com)
'I'm a Reading Champion because I believe that reading opens up the world in so many different ways. You can be anyone, do anything, in any time frame and still be home in time for tea or bed! I'm delighted that my involvement in entering teams in the fantastic, new literary competition, Kids' Lit QuizTM is encouraging young people to read more and to try different kinds of books.'
To hear more from Shona, click here
The Dunblane High School Team 2003
Andrew, Lily, Sam and Sophie are Reading Champions because their team won the Kids' Lit Quiz British Finals 2003 and then the International Final held in New Zealand in 2004. They all think reading is brilliant and they've got the World Reading Champions title to prove it!
Read all about their amazing literary adventure here.
To hear more from the 2003 Team, click here
The Dunblane High School Team 2004
Donald, Jenny, Sophie and Zoe are Reading Champions because their team won the Kids' Lit Quiz Scottish Heat 2004 and because they all love to read!
Jenny's favourite book at the moment is The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud, Donald is enjoying Mortal Engines by Philip Reeves, Sophie recommends Yaxley's Cat by Robert Westall and Zoe's top read is Lord of the Rings by J R R Tolkien. Their favourite places to read are in the library, in bed or any quiet place and they reckon the best times to read are on a long train or plane journey, in the evenings, at night or whenever they can.
To hear more from the 2004 Team, click here
Caroline Co–ordinates Bookstart in Scotland. Bookstart is a national scheme, which provides every baby born in the UK with a free bag of books. It is the first Books for Babies scheme in the world. More information on Bookstart can be found at www.bookstart.co.uk.
Before working with Bookstart, Caroline worked with the Scottish Executive's Education Department, in the division responsible for the 5–14 Curriculum in Scotland. Here her key areas were literacy, numeracy and citizenship education.
Caroline is also Reading Champion Sean McLeod's mum!
I'm a Reading Champion because as parents, sharing books with our children from as early an age as possible is one of the most important things we can do to ensure that they have the best start in life. The delight I see on babies' faces when they see a favourite book, hear a favourite rhyme or are given a new board book to explore makes my job even more worthwhile.
To hear more from Caroline, click here
Shona lives in Tullibody in Clackmannanshire. She is a very keen reader and so is the rest of her family. In fact, Shona reckons that reading together with her big sister, as well as her mum and dad, is one of the reasons why she loves reading so much.
I'm a Reading Champion because I have a good sister. She is a very good reader and so am I.
To hear more from Shona, click here
Sean was appointed a Reading Champion by fellow Reading Champion Gerry Britton in August 2004. Sean is a very keen reader – in fact when he returned his Reading Champion information form he had changed the Read Together logo into The Beano Annual!
I'm a Reading Champion because I read lots of books!
Sean is very keen on history click the hear more link to find out how we know.
To hear more from Sean, click here
Samantha Dudgeon is such an enthusiastic reader that she was chosen to be one of the very first Junior Judges for the annual Scottish Arts Council Children's Book of the Year Award. She lives in Stirling.
I'm a Reading Champion because I was a Scottish Arts Council Children's Book of the Year Award junior judge.
To hear more from Samantha, click here
Cameron Bierman is one of 8 young Reading Champions, who were presented with their certificates at this year's Edinburgh International Book Festival. Cam was thrilled to meet Reading Champion and footballing hero, Gerry Britton. Gerry is now co–manager of Partick Thistle FC but he used to play for Cam's favourite team, Celtic. Cam is 6 years old and lives in Bonnyrigg.
I'm a Reading Champion because I love books.
To hear more from Cameron, click here
Hanover Street School Reading Champions - A Bright Idea!
Staff and pupils at Hanover Street School in Aberdeen have had the brilliant idea of appointing 100 of their very own Reading Champions from amongst parents, business people and other folk, old and young, who live and work in the local area. One wall in the school has become a fascinating Reading Champions Gallery with photos added as each champion is appointed. The Hanover Street Reading Champions are also invited into the school to share a piece of reading of their choice with the children; it could be an extract from a well–loved book, a recipe, a map of a favourite walk, team information from a football programme and more, the list is endless. The project is an excellent way to strengthen community bonds, build reading confidence and generate excitement about all kinds of print and we'd love to see this great idea taken up by schools throughout Scotland.
Here are five of Hanover Street's very own, in–house champions!
Jenny is Deputy Head Teacher at Hanover Street School and she is an enthusiastic, energetic and innovative promoter of all aspects of reading. As a child, she remembers being read lots of books by her mum and being told great stories by her dad.
I'm a Reading Champion because I love reading and as a teacher I think that it is a 'magic' moment every time a child discovers that he can read by himself.
To hear more from Jenny, click here
Helen is Head Teacher at Hanover Street School. As a child, she loved going to her local library, particularly in the winter time, because it had a coal fire burning in the grate. She once got into BIG trouble in the library, but if you want to know why you'll have to click on 'To hear more...'
I'm a Reading Champion because it is so important to instil a love of reading in young people.
To hear more from Helen, click here
Kyle is a pupil at Hanover Street School. He is helping to promote their Reading Bus and other reading projects by speaking at a variety of events and he is very definitely a reading champion. His favourite place to read is in his room at home and he particularly likes reading at night.
I'm a Reading Champion because I love reading!
To hear more from Kyle, click here
Kirsty is another of Hanover Street's keen readers and a splendid ambassador for books. She particularly enjoys reading at school and any spare time is reading time as far as Kirsty is concerned.
I'm a Reading Champion because I love reading books.
To hear more from Kirsty, click here
Peter is one of Hanover Street School's reading champions and he is helping to promote their Reading Bus and other projects by talking at a variety of events. His favourite place to read is in his room at home, any spare time he has.
I'm a Reading Champion because I love books and there is not a book I have read that I didn't like!
To hear more from Peter, click here
Tony is the Head Chef and co–founder of Oloroso Bar and Restaurant in Edinburgh. During his career he has gained considerable experience working in many famous restaurants. He has won many awards and in 2000 he was awarded the prestigious title of ITV Chef of the Year.
As a restauranteur and head chef working long, often unreasonable hours is
customary, so reading provides a valuable escape. Reading to my children allows us to spend our time together in a fun, relaxed and educational environment. Reading and writing are the cornerstones of our society and must be passed on to future generations, they are the glue that bonds past and present to the future. Reading has allowed me to acquire skills I have not experienced, to visit places I have not seen, to meet people I have not met; in short, to become the person I am today.
Ken is the Labour MSP for Eastwood and was so keen to learn to read that as a very young preschool child in Portree, he used to climb onto a coal bunker outside his local school to see inside the classroom!
I am a reading champion because of the joy and pleasure that books have given me over the years. With young children of my own I am now re–discovering the delights of children's stories, the fantastically gory and horrific plot lines of fairy tales and old friends in the shape of characters from books I thought I had forgotten.
To hear more from Ken, click here
Liz is the Community Librarian at Fortrose Library in Fortrose Academy near Inverness. She's done all kinds of jobs – including driving a black cab in Manchester.
I'm a Reading Champion because it's a passport to a whole wealth of information and enjoyment.
To hear more from Liz, click here
Marie Reid describes the events being organised on and around World Book Day as part of Sandwick Junior High School’s celebration. As you will see, everybody in the school will be involved in some way or another.
"I'm a Reading Champion because I have always had a love for books from a very young age and running a school library has made me realize just how important and special books are in our lives as they help us with education and fill our minds with imagination. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to read to the wee ones and watch their little faces light up with excitement. Opening the pages of a book is a far better way of learning than any other source in the world."
To hear more from Marie, click here
For me, the best thing about the Inchyra Nursery Project was seeing the children’s confidence about reading increase. I really enjoyed sharing Jonathan Allen’s lift–the–flap retellings of The Three Little Pigs and The Ugly Duckling – very funny! Since I’ve been involved in the project, I’ve started to read much more. My favourite book at the moment is The Red Room by Nikki French.
"I am a Reading Champion because I helped to encourage the Inchyra Nursery children to read more and helped to increase their confidence about books and reading."
The next six Reading Champions were all involved in a fantastic project to encourage nursery school children to enjoy books and reading. Sandra Brown, the Head Teacher at Inchyra Nursery, Grangemouth wanted to promote anti–sexist behaviour and to tackle under–achievement in boys in her nursery school and she asked Sixth Year boys from the Grangemouth High School to come and work with her pupils for 2 periods each week. Five 17 and 18 year–olds volunteered and since September last year they’ve been visiting Inchyra Nursery to read with the children. The children have been not only enjoying books and using the story corner more, the boys are more likely to take part in cooking and the girls are keener to tackle woodwork and construction activities. As for the senior boys, they had a great time and learned a lot too.
My favourite book is Brighton Rock by Graham Greene, but when I was younger I loved the Thomas the Tank Engine books and Margaret Wild’s brilliant picture book, Fox was a big hit with the nursery children. And it’s not only the kids who have started to feel more confident about reading, I’m much more likely to pick up a novel now, than I was before the project.
"I am a Reading Champion because I feel that I’ve achieved something by being a role model for the nursery children."
What a great name for a Reading Champion!
The project was great because the children really enjoyed being read to and they were learning new words at the same time. I’ve benefited too because I can read to younger children more easily and they are more likely to listen to me! My favourite book when I was young was Postman Pat, but the story I most enjoyed sharing with the children was The Ugly Duckling.
The best book I’ve read so far is To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
"I am a Reading Champion because I have helped the children at the nursery to read. I also feel that I gave them someone to look up to."
One of the best things about the Inchyra project was seeing how much the children appreciated us and how excited they got about books. Seeing their excitement has reminded me how enjoyable reading can be. I loved Spot the Dog by Eric Hill when I was little, but nowadays I enjoy a wide range of books, including Behind Closed Doors by Tony Warren and Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations.
"I am a Reading Champion because I love reading and I think it’s important to encourage young children to read more."
The best thing about sharing stories with the children at Inchyra Nursery was the sense of achievement when younger boys who hadn’t been interested in reading started to gather round and listen to us. My favourite childhood read was Bob the Burglar by the Ahlbergs, but I discovered that Paddington Bear by Michael Bond went down well in the nursery.
These days I like reading books set in Scotland, such as No Mean City and dark comedies like A Big Boy Did It and Ran Away by Christopher Brookmyre.
"I am a Reading Champion because I have been involved in a project aimed at encouraging younger children to read books and I’ve discovered that I’ve been taking notice of many more books myself. I feel more motivated to read."
It was wonderful to see how involved the senior boys became with the younger children. They related to them extremely well and obviously enjoyed the experience. I’ve always enjoyed reading and my parents read to me a lot when I was wee. The Saturday morning trip to Hawick library was a family ritual and I made straight for Enid Blyton’s Famous Five and Secret Seven stories. Anne of Green Gables was a big favourite too and the best place to read was definitely in bed – peace and quiet and no disturbances!
My favourite book to share with children nowadays is The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister. As for my own reading, that usually has to wait until the summer holidays, when I can indulge my love of relaxing Scottish fiction with the latest novel by Emma Blair.
"I am a Reading Champion because I try to promote the love of books and reading for young children at every opportunity."
Adam is currently 10 years old and recently led his favourite football team – Partick Thistle FC – to victory as their match mascot. In the programme he listed reading first amongst his hobbies – so we invited him to lend his support to our campaign.
"I'm a Reading Champion because if books did not exist the world would be a total mess. They help me relax and make me think."
To hear more from Adam, click here
Fiona, a former school librarian, brings a professional understanding of literacy and literature which she combines with a passion for reading and a commitment to working with children and young people.
I'm a Reading Champion because I want to open the world of adventure that lies within books to all children and their parents, to set them on the path to a lifetime of discovery and wonder.
Is there anything more annoying if you're a young person than adults moaning at you about how easy you've got it? It's as if it's somehow your fault that there weren't Playstations or the Cartoon Network or electricity when they were your age.
These lectures usually end up with them throwing a copy of War and Peace at you, demanding you discover the joys of reading. In such circumstances, is it any wonder they prove somewhat elusive?
Reading – as I found out later than I would have liked – is not a punishment or something to do when your telly's broken. It's a door to an unlimited number of unlimited worlds.
I'm a Reading Champion because I want to play my small part in helping Scotland reap the economic, cultural and social benefits of being a well–read nation.
Kate is the MSP for Dundee West
"I'm a Reading Champion because if someone can read they can learn anything.
It opens up whole new worlds of information, education and sheer enjoyment that can last a lifetime."
To hear more from Kate, click here
Ian is the MSP for Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale.
"Reading together can help us to introduce youngsters to one of the great pleasures of life.
A good story is a wonderful thing. It can introduce you to interesting people and can take you in your imagination to the furthest corners of the world, to newly created fantasy lands and even into outer space."
Euan is the MSP for Roxburgh and Berwickshire. He is married with two daughters and lives in Kelso. 'I have always loved reading, history in particular. In recent years one of my greatest pleasures has been to read stories to my children. The youngest will soon read entirely for herself and so I shall have to await grandchildren to begin that again.'
"I am a Reading Champion because reading is a lifetime's activity which opens the world in your palm."
Robin is an MSP representing the constituents of the Lothians on behalf of the Green Party.
"I'm a Reading Champion because being read to, listening to stories, was one of the most pleasant experiences of my young life, whether at home, in school, or ghost stories at school camp. If you combine this with young children following in the book, it is quite the most pleasant way to learn to read and enjoy."
Peter Peacock is the MSP for Highlands and Islands, and Minister for Education and Young People.
Nobody should underestimate the tremendous benefits of reading to their children. That's why I am a Reading Champion. I want to encourage more parents to read to their children and open their eyes to a wonderful world of books.
The First Minister, Jack McConnell MSP
Jack McConnell is the MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, and Scotland's First Minister
'We all have a role to play in giving our children the best possible start in life by ensuring that the world of the written word is accessible to them. Reading books and learning from that experience is fundamental to achieving that goal and great fun can be had in the process. That is why as First Minister I am proud to be a reading champion and to support this worthwhile initiative.'
Pogie is the Chief Executive of Dyslexia Scotwest, an organisation which helps support readers with dyslexia.
"I'm a reading champion because there is nothing like the feeling of being totally immersed in a good book – almost lost in another world! It does you good!"
To hear more from Pogie, click here
Grainne is a specialist children's bookseller with Ottakar's in Inverness – and reads hundreds of books for young people every year!
"I'm a Reading Champion because I eat, sleep and breath books and think that every child should have the chance to develop such an obsession – I believe that the best books change our lives by telling us that we're not alone and that it's OK to escape from reality to a place that indulges our wildest impulses!'
To hear more from Grainne, click here
Marjorie is a journalist and public relations director with The Big Partnership in Glasgow.
"I'm a Reading Champion because reading continues to inform, educate and entertain me through worlds, emotions, and characters I wouldn't otherwise know – I love reading."
To hear more from Marjorie, click here
Anne is the Assistant Director of the Scottish Road Safety Campaign which, among many things, provides road safety education to parents and children.
"I am a reading champion because I think it is really important that children learn skills to keep them safe through their parents. Parents can do this by using the books sent to them when they register with free The Children's Traffic Club in Scotland."
To hear more from Anne, click here
Anna is the Director of BRAW – Books, Reading and Writing – an organisation which works alongside Scottish Book Trust to enthuse us all about the joys of reading. BRAW does this in all kinds of imaginative ways including the Royal Mail Awards for Scottish Children's Books, the monthly on–line book club (ideal for reading groups or simply for some great reading ideas) and an excellent database of writers and illustrators living and working in Scotland – including many of our Reading Champions. Visit www.braw.org.uk to find out more.
"I'm a reading champion because I'm obsessed with children's books! I like nothing better than to curl up with a good book and I'd love everyone to feel like this about reading. It is such a pleasure – no one should be denied the opportunity to enjoy it."
To hear more from Anna, click here
Duncan is one of the boys who inspired author Catherine MacPhail to write her most recent book, Get that Ghost to Go! He lives in Johnstone, south of Glasgow.
"I'm a Reading Champion because I went to writing club and inspired Catherine MacPhail!"
To hear more from Duncan, click here
Bernadette is a librarian and organises after school sessions in libraries all round the Paisley area. She lives in Inchinnan.
"I'm a Reading Champion because I like to encourage children to discover the world of reading."
To hear more from Bernadette, click here
Mark is one of the boys who inspired author Catherine MacPhail to write her most recent book, Get That Ghost to Go! He lives in Johnstone, south of Glasgow.
"I'm a Reading Champion because of my help to Cathy MacPhail in her latest book!"
To hear more from Mark, click here
Dean was one of the boys who inspired author Catherine MacPhail to write her most recent book, Get That Ghost to Go! He lives in Spateston, south of Glasgow.
"I'm a Reading Champion because I am pure, dead brilliant and reading is too!"
To hear more from Dean, click here
Greg was one of the boys who inspired author Catherine MacPhail to write her most recent book, Get that Ghost to Go! He lives in Johnstone, south of Glasgow.
"I'm a Reading Champion because of Catherine MacPhail."
To hear more from Greg, click here
Ross was one of the boys who inspired author Catherine MacPhail to write her most recent book, Get that Ghost to Go! He lives in Johnstone, south of Glasgow.
"I'm a Reading Champion because I like reading lots of books."
To hear more from Ross, click here
Alison is Library and Information Services Manager for Shetland Islands Council Library Service. She has worked in libraries for over 20 years, mainly working with young people. She moved from her job in East Lothian as Senior Librarian Young People's Services to take up the post in Shetland in July 2002. She loves reading, enjoys travelling to unusual places and is still exploring Shetland.
"I'm a Reading Champion because books are magic and can take you on adventures you might never have in real life."
To find out more about Shetland Libraries, visit the website: www.shetland–library.gov.uk
To hear more from Alison, click here
Natalie lives in Glasgow with her Mum and Dad, and her rabbit. She loves reading stories, but also looks for information she needs in books. When she got her rabbit, she consulted lots of books to make sure she was a responsible owner.
"I'm a reading champion because books are really good fun, and if the world didn't have books, it would be a very boring place."
To hear more from Natalie, click here
Karen is the Assistant Librarian at the Orkney Library, where she has worked for the past 16 years.
"I'm a Reading Champion because I've always loved books and reading... and as a librarian I love to see the pleasure that children get from books and stories."
For more information about Orkney Library, visit www.orkneylibrary.org.uk
To hear more from Karen, click here
Amanda is the school librarian at Kirkintilloch High School in East Dunbartonshire.
"I'm a Reading Champion because I cannot imagine living without reading, in fact I hate to be without a book – ever! I take one with me wherever I go. Reading has given me a lot of pleasure, it has made me laugh, cry, it has made me sad, happy and helped me to see the world differently. I wouldn't be the person I am today if I had never had access to books and libraries."
To hear more from Amanda, click here
Eric is a librarian and has worked in Youth Services for many years. He recently has been appointed Bookstart Coordinator for Edinburgh's city–wide Bookstart scheme and it's his responsibility to liaise between health visitors, local Bookstart projects and library staff; to develop programmes of activities for children and parents/carers and to monitor, evaluate and promote the Bookstart scheme.
Not surprisingly, he loves reading and always has at least a couple of books on the go – 'One at home and one to read on the bus from Glasgow to Edinburgh!
"I'm a Reading Champion because reading is the key to developing language, imagination and creativity. Early access to books helps babies' learning and communication skills, sharing stories with babies is fun, and a love of being read to hopefully develops into a love of reading. Reading is fun! There are adventures to be found between the pages of a book, visit the library and it's free! Books become our passport to other worlds, lives and cultures. A good book can engage our emotions, a really good book can become a lifelong friend. Books enable us to connect with the thoughts, dreams and experiences of other people, and to better understand the world around us. Books are information, and information is power. Books give us the ability to make informed choices about our own lives.
Did I tell you how much I like books?"
To hear more from Eric, click here
Top
