Coronavirus: Peterborough writing competitions inspired by children’s books and poems launched

Once a fortnight during the summer term, a new writing challenge will be announced on the Peterborough Reads Facebook page and website - https://literacytrust.org.uk/communities/peterborough/peterborough-reads-writing-competition/.

It is the latest online launch from the campaign from the National Literacy Trust and Peterborough City Council that encourages families to read together and helps parents support their child’s literacy.

The competition hopes to spark creativity and boost the literacy skills of children in the city while schools are closed. Each challenge is linked to Peterborough Book Awards, which took place earlier this year where children from 20 local primary schools chose their favourite reads.

A winning book or author from one of three categories – Best Picture Book, Best Chapter Book and Best Poetry Book – provides the basis of each writing challenge.

The first challenge went live on Thursday and asks children to write or perform a poem inspired by Benjamin Zephaniah, author of Funky Chickens – Peterborough children’s favourite poetry book. A selection of entries will be featured on the Peterborough Reads website and Facebook page and a lucky winner will receive a bundle of books.

Last year, more than one in four (28 per cent) 11-year-olds in Peterborough left school unable to write well, rising to almost half (44.9 per cent) of children on free school meals, the National Literacy Trust said.

This is significantly higher than the national average (21.4 per cent). The National Literacy Trust said its research shows that children who enjoy writing outside of school are seven times more likely to write above expected standards for their age, so the Peterborough Reads writing competition aims to build children’s literacy skills by helping them discover a love of writing.

Sally Atkinson, Peterborough Reads manager, said: “There are concerns that school closures could worsen literacy attainment gaps, so we wanted to find new and fun ways to keep children engaged with literacy until they reopen.

“This competition encourages children to be creative and have fun experimenting with words. It provides a great opportunity to involve the rest of the family as, with the first challenge, they can perform the poem together. I can’t wait to see, hear and enjoy all the entries. You can find more activities and resources for families on the Peterborough Reads Facebook page. Best of luck with the competition!”

Competition entries for the first challenge need to be sent to [email protected] by Thursday, April 30. Winners will be announced on the campaign’s Facebook page, which has been created so that Peterborough Reads can continue to support families whilst social distancing measures are in place.