The start of a new year and new school term is a great opportunity to make positive resolutions for the year ahead. Even in these uncertain times, we can focus our thoughts on hopes for the future and encourage children to do the same.
New Books
Books are great place to find inspiration and spark ideas and we have some exciting new titles coming soon this month! Leonora Bolt: Secret Inventor by Lucy Brandt, illustrated by Gladys Jose, is the first in a new STEM-themed adventure about believing in your brainpower - and yourself! Greta and the Ghost Hunters by Sam Copeland, illustrated by Sarah Horne is a hilarious and touching tale of a family coming to terms with its ghosts - literally. And you can discover all there is to love about our astonishing Green Planet, the stories of its inhabitants, and the challenges it faces in a brand new book The Green Planet by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe, illustrated by Kim Smith. This fascinating book accompanies a brand-new BBC series presented by David Attenborough.
Book Lists
Encourage a love of learning this year with our range of book lists to support all ages and interests in the classroom, supporting topics such as Victorians , Science and Chocolate . Encourage reading for pleasure with a whole range of diverse book lists celebrating LGBTQIA+ , books featuring neurodiversity and books by black authors and illustrators . New book lists will be added throughout the year so keep an eye out for updates!
Burns Night
Later this month, events will take place all over the country in celebration of the Scottish poet Robert Burns and his incredible work. Burns Night, on 25th January, is the ideal opportunity to introduce budding poets in your school communities to the wonder of poetry and encourage their creativity. Use our poetry resources and book list to help you!
Holocaust Memorial Day
On 27th January, we mark Holocaust Memorial Day. Each year across the UK, people come together to learn more about the past and take action to create a safer future, commemorating the six million Jews murdered during the Second World War, alongside the millions of other people killed under Nazi persecution of other groups and in genocides that followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. Holocaust Memorial Day Trust has a range of supporting resources to enable you to support age-appropriate discussion in the classroom. Use our Second World War book list for contextual reading around the conflict and in particular, The Extraordinary Life of Anne Frank, whose bravery has inspired generations of children.
National Storytelling Week
‘Your Story- My Story’ is the theme for this year’s National Storytelling Week, which kicks off on 29th January. Puffin Schools is the perfect place to find everything you need to celebrate this wonderful event ! With activities, how to guides, videos and resource packs featuring stories by favourites like Jeff Kinney, Roald Dahl, Jacqueline Wilson, Robin Stevens, Nathon Bryon and more, we are your one-stop shop for story inspiration!
Whatever your school is doing to celebrate stories and creativity this month we’d love to hear about it! Please contact [email protected] with 'Inspiring Ideas' in the subject line.