Y5 Author Visit: Inspiring Young Readers

As we come to the end of a fantastic term, we want to celebrate a truly special experience that brought the world of literature to life for our Year 5 students.  Earlier this term, they had the incredible opportunity to take part in a live virtual chat with Elle McNicoll, the award-winning Scottish author of Like a Charm.

Elle McNicoll is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in literature, and her books provide a platform for neurodivergent characters to take centre stage.  Her insights into the writing process, creativity, and the power of storytelling left a lasting impression on our students.  Many of them received Like a Charm as a Christmas gift, making the experience even more meaningful as they delved into the magical world she created.

Meeting an author, even virtually, is an inspiring moment for young readers.  It helps them see that books are not just stories on a page but creations born from imagination, perseverance, and a love for storytelling.  Engaging with a real-life author encourages our students to aspire to be writers, storytellers, and creators in their own right. It also reinforces the importance of reading - not just as a school subject, but as a gateway to new perspectives, empathy, and lifelong learning.

At our school, we are committed to fostering a love for literature and showing children that their voices, experiences, and ideas matter.  Opportunities like this remind us all that books can be windows into different worlds, mirrors reflecting our own experiences, and doors to endless possibilities.

We hope this author chat has inspired our students to keep reading, writing, and dreaming big!

Mr Newell, Year 5 Teacher