We are thrilled to share what Benjamin achieves as a Reading Plus Champion
this academic year!
Within his role, Benjamin has the opportunity to complete a series of exciting reading activities throughout the year, including:
- Reviewing new (and unseen!) texts yet to be added to Reading Plus.
- Sharing his experience of Reading Plus in a blog titled ‘My Reading Plus Journey’.
- Expanding his reading further and reviewing books outside of Reading Plus.
- Collaborating with us on interviews with children’s/YA authors.
As he progresses through his Champion duties, all his tasks will be added here – so look forward to more amazing activities being published soon!
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I feel that I am a way better reader. I can read faster. I can read more efficiently. I can read more fluently. All because of Reading Plus. It really helped with that!
Benjamin, Reading Plus Champion.
TASK ONE: ‘My Reading Plus Journey’
Did you enjoy reading before Reading Plus?
Yes, but Reading Plus helped me read because I wanted to, not because it was screens-off time or because I was bored.
What is your favourite genre to read?
On Reading Plus, my favourite genre to read is fiction as I feel that this genre is the most interesting. I think this because the stories in it are cool and have even cooler life lessons. That is why fiction is my favourite genre on Reading Plus.
Have you learned any interesting facts from the programme?
There are so many things I have learnt from the programme that I can’t name them all, but here are a few:
- Maths in nature.
- Slavery throughout the world.
- How stereotypes change people’s views of others.
- The works of many famous writers and the lessons from their works.
Do you use Reading Plus at home?
Yes, I do it for homework at home so I stay top of the class. I like to stay the sharpest I can be so I have the best chance of success.
Do you feel your reading skills have improved?
Yes, I feel that I am a way better reader. I can read faster. I can read more efficiently. I can read more fluently. All because of Reading Plus. It really helped with that!
Why do you enjoy reading?
Well, when I was younger, I didn’t want to read at all! I thought that it was a waste of time to read when I could have been playing video games or watching TV. But when I grew up, I realised that reading was fun, awesome and fundamental. You can read stories about all of your favourite subjects and more. If you just watch TV, you won’t learn anything. In fact, your brain will actually shrink! You can train your muscles by exercising. You can train your brain by reading, then your brain will grow. Isn’t that awesome!
Do you have any advice for other students on their Reading Plus journey?
Never give up and pull through. At one point, I wanted to quit. It had been taking weeks to get a Combo, but I pulled through. Look where I am now! These words would have never been written if I gave up so why should you? You never know what will happen next, so never give up. Take the chances when you have them and believe in yourself. I know that you can do this.
TASK TWO: Book review of Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
Lately, I have been reading ‘Impossible Creatures’ by Katherine Rundell – a brilliant author who has written books such as ‘The Explorer’, ‘Rooftoppers’ and ‘The Wolf Wilder’. This particular book has a mix of different emotions from the start: there is joy and suffering, fascinating discoveries, never-ending adventures and much more. I really love it and I hope you do/will too. Let’s dive in!
In this amazing story, Malum and Christopher embark on a journey to restore the Glimourie – a magic power that keeps the Archipelago and its many creatures protected. As they progress on their journey, Malum and Christopher make (and lose) friends, and attempt to defeat a mysterious darkness which plagues the land and consumes the magic power that supports it. They defeat evil for the greater good but it all comes at a cost – everything does.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I have many favourite things about it. There are many reasons why. Everyone has different favourite things and reasons but let me tell you some of mine. I love the basis and the thought that the world has a magical realm where the majority of the world’s magic resides and that it is where the world’s magical creatures live. I enjoy the many characters: a warrior who devoted their life to serve ___ ________; a scientist who has a secret, a boy who gets transported to the Archipelago and a girl with the power to save them all. These are the majority of the main characters but there are many other people and creatures who played a part in shaping this story. I love them all.
I rate the book 4.5 out of 5 stars as the plot and the characters really balance out the story. I love the various characters and how they play their parts in the story; all the pieces fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. The only part I feel could be different is the ending. After all the struggle they experienced to get to where they were at the end, I felt the ending could have been extended for a bit longer. That would have allowed the ending to be more action-packed and enhance the storyline.
In conclusion, I highly recommend that people read Katherine Rundell’s book ‘Impossible Creatures’ as she is a brilliant writer who puts a lot of power into her writing. She writes wonderful books and this is one of her best ones for sure. I love the plot, I love the story and I definitely love the characters. It pulls people in and I love books that do that. I can’t wait for her next book, but for now I’ll just have to stick with ‘Impossible Creatures’ – but that’s not something to be glum about. It’s a wonderful book and it’ll never leave my mind. It is a great book and you should read it. The question is: will you?
What is DreamBox Reading Plus?
Reading Plus is an adaptive online reading development programme designed to accelerate progress, improve results and build engagement.
Benefits of Reading Plus include:
- An efficacy study proved that students using Reading Plus significantly progressed more than non-users (full study here).
- Students are offered choice and control to self-select texts aligned with their interests from a vast online library.
- Regular challenges and initiatives motivate students, encourage reading for pleasure and celebrate successes – like our Reading Plus Champions!
Want to discover if Reading Plus can help your school? Book a call with a Reading Development Consultant to find out more!