the sky is the limit when you read
The New Zealand Book Council and the National Library work together to create readers in a programme supported by funding from the Ministry of Education. the sky is the limit when you read provides writer visits to low decile schools in geographically isolated areas.
The programme's objectives are:
• to enhance and enrich the literary opportunities, especially writing, for school children in low socio-economic areas.
• to foster a love of books, reading and writing.
Three writers and illustrators visit a different region of New Zealand each school term. The writers work with a mixture of large and small groups of students, according to the needs of each school. They also run an afternoon workshop for students with ability in writing or illustrating.
Each school receives an information pack on their visiting writer and complimentary copies of Booknotes and New Zealand Books. They also receive books for their library, courtesy of the participating writers' publishers and Learning Media.
The Book Council works closely with the National Library Schools Advisors in the region. They provide on-the-ground support for the writers, which is invaluable in ensuring the smooth management of each tour.
The programme
2008
The tour planned for Term 1 will be to Northland, with Tim Tipene and Kate De Goldi, along with illustrator Lindy Fisher.
The tour will go to Southland in Term 2, South Auckland in Term 3 and North Waikato in Term 4.
2007
In Term 1, Brian Falkner, Gavin Bishop and Mere Whaanga visited 18 schools in Tokoroa and Putaruru from 2-5 April.
In Term 2, Ross Kinnaird, Melanie Drewery and Brian Falkner visited 20 schools in Whakatane and Kawerau from 28 May - 1 June.
In Term 3, Fleur Beale, along with Kyle Mewburn and Ken Catran visited 22 schools in West Auckland from 21-24 August.
In Term 4, Kyle Mewburn, Des Hunt and Fifi Colston visited 25 schools in the West Coast of the South Island from 5-9 November.
2006
In Term 1, Brigid Lowry, and writer/illustrators Gavin Bishop and Melanie Drewery visited 23 schools in Gisborne, Wairoa and Opotiki from 27–31 March.
In Term 2, Fleur Beale, David Hill and Annie Rae Te Ake Ake visited schools in the Wellington region from 22–26 May.
In Term 3, Norman Bilbrough, Ross Kinnaird and Lorraine Orman visited schools in the Nelson region from 28 August–1 September.
In Term 4, Melanie Drewery, Ross Kinnaird and John Parker visited schools in the Otago region from 13–17 November.
2005
In Term 1, David Hill, David Elliot and Joanna Orwin visited schools in the Tararua, Manawatu, Horowhenua and Wairarapa regions from March 14–18.
In Term 2, Brian Falkner, Ross Kinnaird and Sandy McKay visited schools in the Nelson, Marlborough and Golden Bay regions from May 16–20.
In Term 3, Penelope Todd, Brian Falkner and Kevin Boon visited 28 schools in Christchurch, Ashburton and Timaru from 15–19 August.
In Term 4, Glenn Colquhoun, Melanie Drewery and Norman Bilbrough visited 26 schools in Otara, Manurewa, Otahuhu, Papakura, Takanini, Clendon and Mt Roskill from 17 October–21 October.
Positive Feedback
Feedback from students, teachers, writers and National Library Schools advisers:
"Our students are keen to be both readers and creative individuals; this visit has helped them on that journey and has given a real perspective on books and their development." Principal, Hurleyville School, Patea
"We loved reading Henry and the Flea and are all looking forward to your next book! The music you played, as you read to us, intensified the Grand Final Scene. Now we understand more about putting emotion into our writing – thanks to the music. Since you told us about ‘story pictures’ we have found other stories that follow the same structure – we’ve tested the theory and it works! Taking a story apart taught us about how a story is put together like a puzzle. Thanks once again for a neat experience." Year 5 and 6 students, South Makirikiri School, Marton
"One behavioural child has said 'I’m going to draw and draw so when I grow up I can be like Mrs Belton'. Teacher, Castlecliff School, Wanganui
"This visit was excellent and was well received by teachers and children. As this school is distant from main centres, it was excellent motivation for reading and writing to be fostered in our school." Teacher, Hokitika School
"I hope Mere keeps writing. She is a very good inspiration to all future authors in our country." Year 5 student, Durie Hill School, Wanganui.
"This was an excellent presentation, appropriate across these levels (years five to eight). Mr Elliot was approachable, positive and professional. He shared excellent creative insights and gave credence and value to student potential. We thoroughly appreciated this opportunity." Teacher, Karoro School, Greymouth.
"Would I do one of these tours again? Like a shot. It's been a wonderful experience." Joanna Orwin, report one Term 1 tour in 2005.
"It was excellent for our students to meet somone who actually writes and illustrates children's books. It exposed them to the 'outside world' and gave them something to think about and know that maybe they could achieve as well." Teacher at Coley St School, Foxton.
