How schools can be a part of The Indigenous Literacy Project

Registered schools that participate in the The Great Book Swap (or take on an Indigenous Literacy Day  fundraising project) go into the draw to win a visit from author and ILP ambassador Andy Griffiths.  You can read what some schools have said about their past ILP participation.

The Great Book Swap 2010

Join the fun and share your favourite book with the world.  Why not get your class, your whole school or staff bookclub involved?  More details.

Classroom ideas for Indigenous Literacy Day

Here are some ideas to get you started.

• Hold a literary soirée on or leading up to Indigenous Literacy Day Wednesday 1 September 2010.  Invite a local author or Indigenous person to speak about the importance of literacy.
• Invite your entire school community (students, staff & parents) to be a part of The Great Book Swap. We send you a ‘How to’ kit once you register.
• Participate in Read 5, Give 5 - supported by the Childrens Book Council of Australia.
• Invite your class or school bookclub to read a title from our Indigenous booklist .
• Set the scene. Brainstorm and list all the activities in a 24-hour period which involve reading. Make a 'graffiti wall' with the combined suggestions of the whole school community and sponsor each activity with a gold coin donation.
• Focus the whole day on reading. Hold a Reading Olympics with events such as rug reading (small groups being read to), a reader's cup between staff and students or staff and parents, relay reading (reading around the group, passing baton/book between competitors), reading for meaning - following written directions (on a treasure hunt, to make a model, prepare a meal etc) performance reading (turning stories into scripts), relay writing (start a story and pass it on) etc.
• Celebrate the joy of reading. Hold a class or school literary lunch with each group providing food featured in story.
• Devote part of the day to a 'read in'. Gather the school together in one place (all staff, students, interested parents) and for a designated period engage in read aloud and silent reading. Gather sponsorships (per number of participants).
• Conduct a 'Favourite Book Fair' where children donate an old favourite to be sold at the fair.
• Host a 'In What Book' trivia event (for children or parents).
• Contact your local newspaper and tell them about the events your school is undertaking and see if they will write a story about it or send a photographer.
• Author events - Invite Indigenous authors to your school for book readings.
• Send a notice home to parents about the importance of Indigenous Literacy Day and invite them to get their workmates and businesses involved. Invite local businesses to match money raised by schools.

Please let us know what you are planning to do to support this important initiative. The Indigenous Literacy Project would like to help generate local support if we can.  You are welcome to use the online contact form or send an email to ILP Manager Karen Williams.