Junior bookworms are all dressed up (From Worcester News)

Day to encourage reading among young hailed a huge success

8:50am Friday 8th March 2013 in News By James Connell

YOUNG bookworms unlocked a tongue-twisting treasure trove of new words as they used their minds to perform some linguistic gymnastics for World Book Day.

Children at Grimley and Holt Primary School, near Worcester, dressed up in inventive costumes to show off the magic of words to mark the event yesterday.

One pupil brought in a melon and a cauliflower to illustrate the word ‘melancholy’, while two friends came dressed as an ‘alien’ and the number ‘eight’, between them making the word ‘alienate’.

Another youngster dressed as a Little Miss character in a judge’s costume to illustrate the word ‘misjudged’ and one boy came wrapped in bandage to depict ‘accident’.

And a child dressed as a baby and brought her own chair to demonstrate the word ‘babysitter’.

The youngsters were given placards with definitions of each word so each child could learn the meaning.

The idea, which has been popular in America, was put forward by English teacher Rachael Watkins.

Other activities at the school included reading assemblies and book swapping classes.

At Upton Snodsbury CE First School, some of the pupils dressed in Mr Men and Little Miss costumes to celebrate the day. Teacher Jane Lowe said: “They enjoyed it – they had a fabulous time.

“We spent the day reading and writing, using the books as inspiration.

“The whole school took part.”

Other schools marking the annual day included Fairfield Community Primary School in Carnforth Drive, Worcester, and Fladbury First School near Pershore.