Celebrating National Authors’ Day!

November 1st marks National Authors’ Day, a day dedicated to the fantastic minds behind our favourite stories, characters, and lessons. As parents prepare their children for the pivotal 11+ exams, selecting the right reading material plays a crucial role. While these exams evaluate a range of skills, a strong grasp of the English language will really benefit your child.

Reading not only enhances vocabulary but also enriches a child’s comprehension skills, imagination, and empathy. So, which authors would we recommend? Our tutors here at KSOL outline some of their favourites below:

1. Roald Dahl: Known for his original characters and inventive storylines, Dahl’s works like “Matilda,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” and “The BFG” challenge children’s vocabulary and stimulate their creativity. These books, while entertaining, offer complex plots and a wide range of vocabulary.
2. J.K. Rowling: The Harry Potter series is not only magical in its content but also in its ability to draw readers into a complex narrative structure. Rowling’s descriptive language, dialogue and character development are excellent tools to help your child boost their English skills.
3. Enid Blyton: With series like “The Famous Five” and “The Secret Seven,” Blyton captures adventures that resonate with children around the world. Her direct style is good for comprehension, and the exciting plots keep children engaged, encouraging regular reading.
4. E.B. White: “Charlotte’s Web” and “Stuart Little” are classics that teach kids about friendship, loss, and growth. E.B. White’s captivating storytelling, combined with language use, can aid in improving reading fluency.
5. Philip Pullman: His “His Dark Materials” trilogy introduces readers to a world of fantasy, challenging them to keep up with complex plotlines and a diverse cast of characters. Pullman’s writing style can certainly help in broadening a child’s vocabulary.
6. C.S. Lewis: “The Chronicles of Narnia” series not only take children on a spell-bounding journey, but are also an exploration of the English language. Lewis’s allegorical tales are packed with meaning, prompting children to think critically and analytically.
7. Frances Hodgson Burnett: Books like “The Secret Garden” and “A Little Princess” dive deep into themes of resilience, friendship, and self-discovery. Burnett’s vivid descriptions and emotive writing can definitely help in comprehension and creative writing exercises.

Tips for Parents:

Engage in discussions: after your child reads a book, discuss the plot, characters, and any new words they’ve encountered. This reinforces learning and ensures they’ve grasped the story.

Read aloud: occasionally, read out passages or chapters. This helps in improving pronunciation and intonation.

Set a reading schedule: Consistency is key. Designate a reading time daily, making it a fun and enjoyable routine.

Encourage book reviews: let your child write short reviews or summaries. This hones their writing skills and helps in retaining what they’ve read.

Celebrating National Authors’ Day by diving into these authors’ works can not only prepare your child for their 11+ exams but also instil a lifelong love for reading!

If you have any further questions or would like further recommendations, please don’t hesitate to give one of our friendly tutors a call on 0121 733 6558!