A fun reading challenge that encourages reading for pleasure for primary age children in Wales
What is BookSlam?
An annual competition that encourages young readers from Years 3–6 to read for pleasure. BookSlam encourages learners to discuss the books they read and enjoy preparing a creative video, as a group or class, based on one of the books on the reading list.
The BookSlam competition is open to English medium schools and suitable for Years 3 to 6. Teachers are free to choose whether they would like to participate with whole classes or with reading groups. The Gornest Lyfrau competition is similarly available for Welsh language and translingual schools.
Key Benefits
BookSlam is a fun reading challenge which:
- encourages children to get hooked on reading and enjoy good books
- cultivates positive and long-term attitudes towards reading
- supports the development of emotional literacy and nurture key skills such as communication and analysis
- supports the requirements of the Curriculum by offering a variety of activities to individuals and groups across the Areas of Learning and Experience
- promotes and raises awareness of books, authors and illustrators
- celebrates exceptional quality in children’s literature
How does it work?
Schools will need to choose one book from the list to discuss and another to present as an advertisement. A county round will be held under the care of the county organisers, and the county winners will go on to the national round in the summer term.
The winning school will win a special trophy and one of the following:
- 1st Prize – £200 worth of books
- 2nd prize – £150 worth of books
- 3rdprize – £100 worth of books
More information about the county and national rounds can be found in our BookSlam Guidelines, available to schools either by contacting us directly plant@llyfrau.cymru or via the county organisers.
Reading List
Years 3–6 English medium schools
Welsh Wonders: Wallace – The Curious Life of Alfred Russel Wallace
Author: Aneirin Karadog
Illustrator: Alyn Smith Publisher: Broga
The Sleeping Stones
Author: Beatrice Wallbank
Publisher: Firefly
The Christmas Cat at St Fagan’s Author: Myrddin Ap Dafydd
Publisher: Gwasg Carreg Gwalch
Vivi Conway and the Sword of Legend
Author: Lizzie Huxley-Jones
Publisher: Knights of Media
Wales on the Map
Author: Elin Meek
Publisher: Dragon Press
Miracles
Author: Connor Allen
Publisher: Lucent Dreaming
What resources will schools receive?
A BookSlam Guide and Activities Pack are available to schools either by contacting us directly plant@llyfrau.cymru or via the county organisers.
Register for the BookSlam competition
Schools can register with their local organizer by 19 January 2024.
Get in touch with us if you would like more information: cllc.plant@llyfrau.cymru
