Julia Donaldson visits Lancing Prep Worthing

Just before the end of term, the children at Lancing Prep Worthing had a wonderful day of storytelling, drama, music and books. Their visitor was none other that Julia Donaldson – author of The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom and many, many more children’s books.

The Nursery, Reception and Year 1 children were utterly enchanted by their singing and storytelling session. Julia was surprised to hear them all sing Pull a Funny Face with such enthusiasm! Julia, with her husband Malcolm on guitar, then performed classic stories such as The Everywhere Bear and The Smartest Giant in Town. Our Year 1 children had worked hard on their Gruffalo inspired stories and it was lovely for one child to have a chance to read hers to Julia -it was a very special moment.

Later in the afternoon, Year 2 and 3 children enjoyed acting out the parts in A Squash and a Squeeze, with Julia and Malcolm singing and performing using puppets for the: chicken, cow, pig and hen. They all then performed The Monkey Puzzle, which is a firm favourite. Year 2 teacher, Mrs Macdonald, was delighted to see her children acting out the roles in The Wrong Kind of Bark. In addition to the fun of acting, the book helped them all to be more aware of homophones and homographs!

We asked the children and teachers what they liked most about their session with Julia and Malcolm. They were delighted that every child was given an opportunity to contribute and join in with the drama. They also loved the opportunity to ask Julia lots of questions. They were amazed to hear that The Gruffalo has been translated into 78 languages, including Latin. Mrs Hardisty, the LPW Latin teacher, may well be receiving a copy as a birthday gift!

The afternoon’s activities ended with an opportunity for children and parents to meet Julia and buy a book to be signed. It was a very special day for the school who had waited a long time for Julia to visit. Her books are a part of all our children’s childhood and for many are the first stories that were read at bedtime. There are so many benefits to be had from reading for pleasure, it is never too early to get our children started on this positive habit of a lifetime.

The LPW children and staff will never forget the day that Julia Donaldson came to tea.