Thread by @novelideasblog

Here's my handy guide on 'how to set up a whole school reading festival'...(LONG THREAD 1/10)

1. Get senior staff/finance involved. Every year, I put together a budget proposal outlining all the costs required to manage and maintain my school library. I added in a section on

‘reading festival’ into the proposal that included estimates for an author visit, photocopying costs and competition rewards (about £600). I explained the purpose and impact a festival could make in supporting reading for pleasure and developing literacy skills – something (2/10)

Ofsted are usually interested in. Before I submitted it, I spoke to my line manager, who thought it as a great idea and supported my plans. Once the funds were approved, I could start the planning process!

2. Check the school calendar. Look at what’s going on at (3/10)

different times of the year in your school. When is a good low-stress time for students and staff? Don’t ever run one around exam time or when you have any refurbishment work planned. Decide how many days you want to run it for. Just make sure that there’s stuff going on (4/10)

every day. Speak to office staff and get it on the calendar asap. Email out to staff to double check there are no clashes.
3. Book your author. They often have a busy schedule and if your festival is around the time of year when World Book Day is, authors get snapped up (5/10)

several months in advance. Do your research. Get someone local to cut down on travelling expenses and hotel stays if you can. Read at least one of the author’s books before even looking at potentials. Don’t ask them for ten sessions in one day to feel like you’re getting (6/10)

your money’s worth, be realistic with your planning.

4. Create a list of potential activities and competitions that could work and then narrow them down. You can’t do it all. Think practically about how much time is going to take to plan and run your ideas. Do you want (7/10)

other school staff to get involved? Speak to the English department and maybe arrange a meeting with them to talk it through. Agree on a few things that can be done well and then start prepping.

5. Create your promotional materials. Create a ‘brand’ and continuous look (8/10)

throughout your promo resources. Create a festival ‘line up’ poster. Create a reel for the plasma screens around school. Do displays. Get some school paper wristbands. Send information out to staff via email and packs for tutors. Send letters home to parents as well as (9/10)

texts if you can. Get a group of willing students to be ambassadors to help you out, they are great at spreading the word too. Make sure the caretaker and reception know what’s going on. TALK to staff. Mention it in briefing. Create a hype. Go for it. 💪📚