A book-loving Nottingham teacher has won a national award for a school reading project.
South Wilford Endowed C of E Primary School teacher Amy Greatrex landed the Farshore Reading for Pleasure Experienced Teacher 2022 award for her Reading Rivers scheme.
The 37-year-old, from Arnold, worked with children in her class to find out their favourite books at home and worked these into her teaching. Amy collected her award last month at the Open University’s Reading for Pleasure Conference at their Milton Keynes campus.
The reception teacher was shocked at winning as she found reading difficult when growing up. Amy, who has two daughters, seven-year-old Matilda (named after the Roald Dahl book) and four-year-old Ida, said: “When I found out I had won the award it was an emotional moment.
“When I was at school I found reading really challenging. But I had three reading teachers who changed my life.
“Matilda is very proud of me. She knows how much I love books and how much I love helping the children.”
Amy has been teaching for 10 years. Her prizes included a certificate and trophy, £250 worth of books for the school, a Beano annual subscription and 20 copies of Help Your Child Love Reading by Alison David.
Open University professor of education (literacy) was on the judging panel along with Beano Studios creative director Mike Stirling. The award is supported by the UK Literacy Association and recognises teachers who inspire a love of reading.
South Wilford C of E Primary School headteacher Natalie Aldridge praised Amy’s latest projects including a picnic-themed reading festival she co-ordinated for the children in the grounds of the school.
Mrs Aldridge said: “Amy epitomises the philosophy of our school which is about being at our best for our children. She consistently goes above and beyond to make sure children develop a love of reading. We are all so proud of her.”
Amy says it is important for adults to talk to children about reading interests and to take them seriously. She added: “It is a social justice issue; it can change lives, it changed mine and continues to do so.”
Farshore is a children’s book publisher with hundreds of titles aimed at different age groups.
The conference where Amy was given her award was held on October 1. To read more about Amy’s winning project see the Open University website.
