Information Scotland The Journal of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland ISSN 1743-5471 Issue contents | Journal contents | About the online edition of the journal October 2008 Volume 6(5)

Reader Development

An illustration of success

Picture books open up a rich seam of creativity in children of all ages, which is why the Dundee Picture Book Award is such a great idea. Moira Foster and Stuart Syme explain.

We wanted a vehicle which was inclusive and would promote reading in a creative, fun way and which at the same time met the requirements of the curriculum. It had to be something which was manageable, flexible and supported the work teachers were already trying to accomplish in the classroom. 

We knew there would be resistance to something that was seen as yet another initiative and so we piloted the project in two schools where we knew the head teachers and staff would be honest about what worked and what didn’t work and whether it was worthwhile pursuing. We had decided to work with picture books because we felt this genre offered scope for a range of work on a variety of levels. As they are designed for adults or older children to read to younger children they are full of subtleties which appeal to different ages. They are relatively quick to read and the illustrations provide an additional form of access. 

The big appeal for us was the opportunity for really inclusive work. In classrooms, where children are operating at different levels, picture books offer a non-threatening opportunity for everyone to be involved. We have found using picture books allows children to see themselves as all working at the same level irrespective of their academic ability in other areas.

When we piloted the project we first visited both P6 classes with 30 or 40 picture books and just gave them 45 minutes to explore them. Both ourselves and the teachers were amazed at the positive response and sheer enjoyment the children had during these sessions. Set in a context of asking them to look at the text and illustration critically, the barriers of age or ability were completely removed. It was as if the children had discovered a rich seam of enjoyment and creativity normally denied them. P6 children are far too old for picture books, aren’t they? We knew then that whether the picture book award project became a reality or not, involving older children with picture books was something we would pursue. 

Now, with the Award established, we always begin by taking a large collection of picture books to each class on our introductory visit and every time it has exactly the same impact. After the pilot and following talks with school staff and pupils we knew were on the right track. Indeed the pilot model stayed pretty much intact.

How it works
Participating schools are given a framework, which they can follow to the letter or extend as they see fit, including the following elements:

• Primary 6 pupils getting to know four shortlisted titles
  
• Discussing the text and illustration in class
• Reading the books to Primary 1 pupils in small groups
• Reporting back and talking about this experience to their peers
• Creating a display around the books for their local public library
• Organising a vote for their own class and another for the Primary 1s
• Digitally recording aspects of all these elements
• Attending a high-profile Award Ceremony. 

Each year we invite schools to apply to take part and from the applications we select 14 schools. In total 700 or 800 pupils are involved annually. We work with 14 schools because we have 14 public libraries in Dundee and this allows each school to have a dedicated space within a local library to exhibit their display.

The project runs from 1 February to 31 March each year and the award ceremony takes place in June. The flexibility of the framework enables schools to focus on whichever area is most pertinent to them at any given time, e.g. some teachers have really gone to town on the voting element borrowing voting booths and ballot boxes from the council and having presiding officers, polling clerks, canvassers, etc. 

For us the most important aspect of all of this is what happens in the schools. But we know that the award ceremony gives it its high profile and lets the children see that this is something which goes far beyond the school gates. Once again, children are central as 10 Primary 6 pupils from one of the participating schools host the ceremony. The only adults on stage are the authors and illustrators and the Lord Provost who announces the city-wide winner – not known until the Lord Provost opens the golden envelope. 

The winning title receives GBP 1,000.00 and each of the runner-up authors and illustrators receives GBP 250.00. All also receive a limited edition DC Thomson & Co. Ltd. comic figurine. Prizes are sponsored by the City of Discovery Campaign and DC Thomson & Co. Ltd.

There are many ways that the award enhances learning, such as: children read to an audience, and listen to responses; working in partnership with the community; reading and writing with a purpose; citizenship – learning about the democratic process; creativity (eg promotional display); personal and social development (eg buddying, paired reading); and practical use of ICT.

The project is a partnership between the Leisure and Communities Department and the Education Department. It is co-ordinated and delivered by Stuart Syme (Senior Library and Information Officer, School Library Service, Dundee) and Moira Foster (ESO, Learning Resources, Educational Development Service, Dundee moira.foster@dundeecity.gov.uk).

Information Scotland Vol. 6(5) October 2008

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