World Book Day: the case for simplicity and inclusivity
22 February 2023
Samantha Orciel, English Subject Advisor
The theme for World Book Day 2023 is ‘You Are a Reader’, with a focus on reaching children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
World Book Day is, for many English departments, the highlight of the school calendar. It’s a day with a festival atmosphere, where English teachers and their colleagues join forces to celebrate reading and literature. There is so much joy, and a shared passion for the written word trumps the bewilderment and amusement at seeing teachers dressed outrageously. (I have previously impersonated Miss Trunchbull, Dolores Umbridge, Bertha Mason, Athena, William Shakespeare and – in photos that still resurface yearly – Papa Bear from Goldilocks and the Three Bears.)
It can also be a difficult day for many. Some teachers have to carve out time to find a theme that was better than the last, and source a costume. Some schools are under pressure to justify the use of curriculum time. This year, the celebration also coincides with planned industrial action in some parts of the country. The rising cost of living means that many families, teachers and indeed whole schools can find themselves priced out of fancy dress costumes and book fairs. Whilst teachers are incredibly resourceful and inventive, and a quick search of social media will reveal a plethora of low-budget alternatives, there are still students reluctant to engage with these activities, possibly believing that this kind of event is not ‘for them’.
Passion, identity and community
This is where this year’s theme could be a catalyst for change, and for sparking that passion for reading in every student. It’s not just about adults showing that they enjoy reading: it’s about students being able to see that each and every one of them is a reader too.
This starts with embracing the idea that World Book Day is, of course, a global event. The books that students encounter shape their understanding of themselves as readers. The real magic of the day is not in the dressing up, but the chance for some to ‘see’ themselves in literature and for others to be transported to places beyond their immediate reality.
Simplicity can also be the key to inclusivity, too: reading aloud to students, or allowing them time to read an excerpt from a book quietly at their own pace, can give them space to discover the words for themselves.
New books, new perspectives
Here are some texts to try this World Book Day, for students to be seen or transported, to be read aloud or alone. Excerpts from most can be found online:
Finally, secondary students and adults can also try the wonderful Recommend Me a Book - where you can read a random (exciting!) page from a novel, search for a particular book, or simply choose to read something by judging its cover.
In summary: this World Book Day, fold away your costumes, set aside the laborious search for a theme your department hasn’t covered yet, and sit down and read. The power of the global written word is strong enough on its own. And who knows? Those old costumes could find new lives in a future Drama production…
Stay connected
Share your thoughts in the comments below. If you have any questions, you can email us at ocrenglish@ocr.org.uk, call us on 01223 553998 or tweet us @OCR_English. You can also sign up to subject updates to keep up-to-date with the latest news, updates and resources.
About the author
Prior to joining OCR in September 2022, Sam spent ten years teaching a range of English qualifications in secondary schools, including as a head of department. She did this alongside completing a MSt in Advanced Subject Teaching at the University of Cambridge, specialising in A Level English curricula and pedagogy.
In her spare time, you’ll find her either fussing over her dog, watching tennis, or (predictably!) reading anything and everything.