Inspiring young readers at Llandudno Primary School through dynamic literacy initiatives

From blanket forts and mystery games to writing a book of their own, Llandudno Primary is showing children that reading can be an adventure.

In a world of smartphones, screens and instant entertainment, getting children excited about books can sometimes feel like a challenge.

But at Llandudno Primary School, reading is anything but boring.

With World Literacy Day celebrated on September 8, the school is shining a spotlight on the many creative ways it encourages pupils to discover the joy of reading – not only during special literacy events, but throughout the school year.

World Literacy Day, officially known as International Literacy Day, is observed around the world to highlight the importance of literacy and the opportunities that reading and writing create. It is a reminder that literacy is much more than simply being able to read words – it gives people the tools to learn, communicate, participate, and open doors to new possibilities.

At Llandudno Primary, those lessons often come with a healthy dose of fun.

During special reading days, ordinary classrooms are transformed into cosy reading hideaways, with pupils building blanket forts and settling down with books and flashlights. On another eagerly anticipated day, favourite book characters step off the pages and into the school corridors as pupils dress up as the characters they love.

And sometimes, reading becomes a little more mysterious.

The school's “Booked for Crime” activity turned literacy into a school-wide detective adventure inspired by the classic board game Cluedo. Pupils had to follow clues, solve puzzles, and use their problem-solving skills to work out which teachers had supposedly “stolen” library books.

It was a crime that, thankfully, had a literary solution!

When pupils become authors

The school has also created opportunities for children to meet professional authors and hear about the journeys behind the stories they enjoy.

Published authors Lauren O'Connor-May and Refiloe Mahloli have previously visited Foundation Phase pupils, while Cayla Lewis spent time with Senior Phase pupils sharing her creative writing journey.

But perhaps the most memorable literary adventure has been one created entirely by the school community.

For Marzanne Scheepers, head of the library, the aim is simple: create literacy experiences that children will remember.

“Pupils talk about these activities long after they have ended, and that is truly how we know we succeeded,” she said.

Pupils from across the grades collaborated to write and illustrate a short novel titled How Gully Learnt to Read, featuring the school's much-loved cormorant mascot, Gully.

Each grade contributed a section to the story, and the finished book has now been professionally bound and placed proudly on the library shelves.

Books that give back

The school's love of reading also extends into the wider community.

Each year, Llandudno Primary hosts a secondhand book sale in partnership with Help the Rural Child, with proceeds supporting children in need.

Reading has even become a game, with staff and pupils taking part in timed, story-themed challenges involving book towers, hidden quotations and puzzles scattered around the library.

Principal Alexander Molteno said the school wants every child to grow in confidence as a reader and discover books they genuinely enjoy.