As a teacher you’re in a unique position to change the lives of children. You can widen their horizons and boost their chances in life. And you can do it best by encouraging them to open a book.
That’s what Eileen Littlewood has done. Eileen is Head Teacher of Forthview Primary School in Edinburgh and she’s the current holder of the Scottish Book Trust’s Learning Professional Award.
Before Eileen started in the post, the school library had been dismantled and the nearest public library was not within safe walking distance for the pupils. In order to create a library catering for all ages, Eileen applied to the Scottish Government Access to Education Fund and the Foyle Foundation and with the £10,000 of funding she got from them, she was able to start a reading community in Forthview and West Pilton.
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Within months, Eileen had paired up readers to help improve their reading skills and persuaded all kinds of authors to visit her school. She was so passionate about the idea she inspired her staff to deliver reading projects. She set up a lunchtime book club for pupils who are keen readers, as well as regular writing workshops.
At times, she has also run book clubs for parents and worked with some of the adults on a book about their mental health.
Eileen was thrilled to have won and now that nominations for next year’s award have opened she is encouraging fellow teachers across Scotland to get involved.
She says: “I know how much this award meant to me and my school, so if you know someone who is passionate about and dedicated to reading then do take the time to nominate them.”
Meanwhile the Scottish Book Trust has also announced nine schools will receive fully-funded author residencies this school term.
Among them is Gigha Primary in Argyll where author John Fardell is set to share stories from some of his highly imaginative books and help the children to write their own stories too.
Head Teacher Julie Wilson said: “What a great gift to have John Fardell come and work with us to craft a series of tales from our Isle of Stories. We’re so excited for this opportunity to learn from him and be inspired through his residency to create and illustrate our own picture books on the themes of nature, growth and learning for sustainability.”
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