Learning Resources for Writing and Reading Newham: Introduction

These learning resources contain four lessons for Year 5 and 6 classes.

They have been produced as part of the project Writing and Reading Newham, which has recorded the history of Newham Bookshop and Newham’s writers and readers.

Written by Jonny Walker from OtherWise Education, a former Newham primary school teacher, these multimedia resources introduce children to Newham Bookshop, writers and readers based in Newham and the wider culture of literacy in Newham, over four specially planned lessons.

Using oral histories collected from readers, writers and booksellers in Newham the resources aim to contribute to local children recognising Newham as a lively hub of creative activity, empowering them to see themselves as writers and readers with something to contribute. We want local children to get to know their bookshop and to feel “I belong here, this is all for me”.

When social distancing is no longer required, we strongly encourage schools to visit Newham Bookshop as part of exploring this topic. Please contact Newham Bookshop by email at info@newhambooks.co.uk or call 020 8552 9993.

When schools are fully open, some of the authors quoted in these resources would be pleased to visit classes and speak to children. Please contact Rosa Schling, email rosa@on-the-record.org.uk or call 07853 228023 to request a visit and we will do our best to arrange.