Dear Dorchester Families

Thank you for supporting our World Book Day activities this week,  The children looked amazing in their costumes.

Aside from all the fun that dressing up brings, World Book Day is a wonderful reminder of the magic that books bring into our lives. Stories spark imagination, build vocabulary, develop empathy, and open the door to new ideas and adventures. For children, reading is one of the most powerful foundations for learning and one of the greatest gifts we can nurture together.

At school, we work hard to help children become confident and enthusiastic readers. But the habits that make the biggest difference often begin at home. Just 10 minutes of shared reading each day can have a huge impact on a child’s confidence, enjoyment, and progress.

Reading together doesn’t have to be complicated. It might mean sharing a bedtime story, taking turns reading a page, talking about a favourite character, or laughing together at a funny picture. These small, daily moments help children see reading as something enjoyable rather than something they “have to do”.

Children also learn by example. When they see adults reading — whether it’s a novel, a newspaper, a recipe, or even instructions — it sends a powerful message that reading is valuable and part of everyday life.

Celebrate books together. Visit the library, swap stories, talk about favourite books, and most importantly, try to make reading a daily habit at home. These habits today make such a difference to your child's learning and their enthusiasm for reading.

Have a great weekend.

Cathy Bell
Headteacher