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Students and Staff Explore Non-Fiction for Children
Each year a group of Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) students and staff take part in the children’s book award for the United Kingdom Literacy Association (UKLA). They select a category of books and, from a shortlist of titles within that category, they vote for a winner. They then send our choice forward to the UKLA to join the votes from other shadowing groups at schools and universities around the country. The overall winner from each category is announced at the UKLA’s Conference which takes place in the summer. This year a new category, non-fiction books for children, was added to the awards and the BGU shadowing group have chosen to explore its titles. Dr Mary-Louise Maynes, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies, and Janice Morris, Teaching Resources Librarian, explained what makes the shadowing exercise worthwhile and why the new category appealed to the group: “The process is an enjoyable and interesting one: we have the chance to read a range of new and exciting children’s books and to debate and discuss our choices over tea, coffee and biscuits! We explore books we might not have chosen to pick up and share some often very different reactions to them. Seeing a book from a different perspective can help to develop our critical thinking around texts and broaden our understanding of children’s literature. This year we chose to focus on non-fiction books for children. This was a new category introduced just this year to the book award. The introduction of the category reflects the rich and diverse range of non-fiction books being published for children at the moment and an increased interest in this category of texts. Unlike the other categories, books in the shortlist are suitable for children aged from 3 to 14+ years. They cover a wide range of topics and styles and a preference for artistic illustrations rather than photographs and beautifully presented texts is a feature of these new books. The shortlist is given below and all of the books can be found in the Teaching Resources Collection: we look forward to sharing them with you when the library re-opens and will let you know who the winner is when this is announced in the summer!” Unfortunately, the restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 has meant that the group have been unable to carry on with their usual shadowing group meet ups this year, but they fully intend to get involved again for next year’s book award. All students and staff are very welcome to join, look out for information about the group if you are interested early in 2021. Full Shortlist of Information Books 3 -14+ Mary and Frankenstein written by Linda Bailey and illustrated by Jũlia Sardὰ, (Andersen Press) (Print version only) A Book of Bears written and illustrated by Katie Viggers (Laurence King) (Print version only) A Child of St. Kilda written and illustrated by Beth Waters (Child’s Play) (Print version only) Counting on Katherine written by Helaine Becker and illustrated by Dow Phumiruck (Macmillan) (Print and Kindle version available) Questions I am asked about the Holocaust written by Heidi Fried (Scribe) (Print and Kindle version available) Once Upon a Raindrop written by James Carter and illustrated by Nomoco (Caterpillar Books) (Print version only) -
Why adults shouldn't rule out children's book from their reading lists
As the country, along with the rest of the world, settles into the possible new normal of social distancing and working from home many are beginning to plan out long lists of exciting potential reads to keep them occupied. These may be well loved classics or unknown literary adventures but the likelihood is that they will be books designed for adults. However, as Dr Mary-Louise Maynes, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) and one of the academics on the new MA in Children’s Literature and Literacies, explains adults shouldn’t be ashamed to include some children’s books in their choices too. On reading children’s books (as an adult) Browsing the adult fiction shelves of Waterstones recently I noticed that the Harry Potter books have yet another new cover without any sign of the boy wizard. This is presumably so that you can read the books on the train without looking silly: without looking as if you are reading a children’s book. Adults read children’s books, but still, it seems, reading them makes many of us rather uncomfortable. As we launch our MA in Children’s Literature and Literacies here at Bishop Grosseteste University, I want to explain why I read children’s books and why I think more adults should too, and not apologise for doing so. They are good ‘reads’… Children’s authors know that children are exacting critics. Junior-aged children in particular (generally) enjoy books which are plot-driven, gripping and engaging from the start, well-paced, and which use cliff-hangers at the end of chapters to make you want to read on. If you want to lose yourself in a thrilling story or a page-turning adventure look no further than a good children’s book such as The Invention of Hugo Cabret (Selznick, 2007) or The Explorer (Rundell, 2018). In literary terms to describe a text as plot-driven often implies a lack of depth and quality, a criticism often levelled, unfairly, at children’s literature as a whole. Many children’s books present examples of beautiful and lyrical writing where there is much to explore below the surface and which invite re-reading. Take for example the slow, ‘outsider’ reflections of the Fox in Pennypacker and Klassen’s Pax (2017) or the haunting, puzzling and disturbing words and images in Shaun Tan’s The Red Tree (2010). They have pictures…. Children’s picture books, non-fiction and poetry will introduce you to the work of some of the most innovative and diverse artists and the images are every bit as important as the words. Children’s illustrators have distinct visual styles and employ a range of artistic techniques: contrast for example Beth Waters’ striking monoprints in A Child of St Kilda (2019) or Mark Hearld’s cut-out collages for Nicola Davies’ A First Book of Nature (2014). Images are not confined to bold colours and simple lines: Emily Sutton’s illustrations have a ‘retro’ feel harking back to the work of Edward Ardizzone and they are not at all twee or cosy: in contrast the images in Greder’s The Island (2008) are dark, gothic and threatening. They explain things…. Children’s books today cover almost all topics including some previously taboo ones (for example Poo, a Natural History of the Unmentionable, Davies, 2014) and present them in ways which are digestible and engaging starting-points for further investigation. The Theory of Relativity is beautifully introduced in Bearne and Radunsky’s On a Beam of light (2016) and astrophysics is presented very simply in Astrophysics for Babies (Ferris, 2018). What we learn from children’s books can often stick with us throughout life: in Everything I need to know I learned from a children’s book (2008) Anita Silvey interviews 100 ‘notable’ individuals who explain how children’s books influenced their thinking and later careers. Yet in contemporary children’s literature the ways in which information is imparted are rarely moralistic or heavy-handed, with enjoyment and engagement being primary motivators for reading so that the reader does not feel ‘talked at’ or instructed. They reawaken memories… Re-reading Alison Uttley’s wonderful A Traveller in Time (1939) recently, I was suddenly transported back to a mental image of the protagonist Penelope wearing a nightdress I wore as a child. I must have dressed her in the nightdress in my imagination and for a tiny moment I felt a connection with the person I was when I first read the book aged eight years old. Such connections are powerful if illusory: as Peter Hunt (1997) said as adults we can never really read as we did as a child. Re-reading reminds us of the difference of childhood and the ways in which our understanding of childhood changes as we grow older. Reading children’s books as adults we cannot help but be aware of the ways in which childhood is ‘socially constructed’. They offer insight about ourselves and our society since they are (usually) written by adults with adult perceptions of what childhood and children should be, and what children should be allowed to read or forbidden from reading. If, like me, you love reading children’s books, why not consider joining our MA Children’s Literature and Literacies, launching September 2020? Discover books that intrigue and move you: yes there are plenty of bunnies getting ready for bed, and wimpy kids writing diaries, but equally there are books which address the key issues of our time and which challenge and upset expectations, books which explore the range of human experience and which take us into worlds beyond our own. Dr Mary-Louise Maynes researches children’s non-fiction literature and will be teaching on the MA Children’s Literature and Literacies. She is a member of the Literature and Literacies RKEU. For more information please visit our children's literature courses pages. -
Do Both
Here at BGU, we value the knowledge and experience you have gained so far in your career and want to help you expand on this to enhance your career. Our work-focused Foundation Degrees are a combination of practice-based learning and campus-based taught sessions which run once a week so that you are able to continue in employment or volunteering throughout the duration of the course. FDA PROFESSIONAL STUDIES (EARLY CHILDHOOD)FDA PROFESSIONAL STUDIES (CHILDHOOD & YOUTH)FDA PROFESSIONAL STUDIES (EDUCATION) If you’re unsure about any aspect of applying to university, give us a call on (01522) 583658 contact us by emailing enquiries@bishopg.ac.uk, or click the purple icon in the bottom right corner of this page to chat to us online. -
Degrees with a Foundation Year at BGU
If you don’t have the required UCAS points necessary to start a degree course then we’re here to help. Our brand new range of degrees with a Foundation Year are designed to give you an alternative route onto a full degree course. We have a huge range of courses to choose from which will see you progress onto a three year degree once you’ve successfully completed your Foundation Year. Choose from courses in a wide range of subject areas, including Psychology, Business, Sociology, Sport, History, Health & Social Care, English, Counselling, Archaeology, Drama, Geography, Education Studies, Mathematics, Early Childhood Studies, Special Educational Needs, TESOL & Linguistics and Theology. Find out more about the options open to you for starting in September this year by calling (01522) 583658, or emailing enquiries@bishopg.ac.uk. -
Professor Julian Stern
Professor of Education and Religion julian.stern@bishopg.ac.uk Julian Stern works on education and religion, leading research projects and organisations, and supervising doctorates. He qualified as a piano teacher, and then as a teacher of humanities and social sciences, and was a school teacher for fourteen years. Moving into teacher education and research, he has worked in universities in London, Yorkshire, and now Lincolnshire. Themes of his work include the philosophy of schooling, religious education, spirituality in education, research methods, and issues related to solitude, silence and loneliness. Related courses: PGCE Religious EducationMA in EducationEdDPhD -
Guest Lectures
On this page you can find guest lectures on a range of different topics that have been created and delivered by a number of academics from across the university. -
Are you a Foster Carer looking to enhance your skills?
Our Professional Studies courses might be the perfect route for you -
Celebrating Black History Month at BGU
Black History Month at BGU Throughout Black History Month, October 2024, BGU will host a variety of events that celebrate the local, national, and global contributions of Black People to various areas. Storytelling, film night, lectures, and a fashion show are among these events. As per the best tradition of public engagement, these sessions are intended to educate, entertain, and challenge existing ideas and knowledge. Full Schedule of Events Scroll down to check out this years events and to reserve your tickets! Dig Deep, Look Closer Think Bigger. -
BGU students “improve their self-confidence and broaden their perspective on life” through MOVE Project befriending programme
BGU students have been supporting MOVE Project participants via the befriending programme, created by advisors working on the project, to support the well-being of participants and BGU students, as well as providing meaningful opportunities for students and participants to develop themselves personally and professionally. MOVE Project aims to help people who are unemployed or economically inactive back into employment and learning. The project treats everyone as an individual and therefore, every person’s pathway through the project will be different. Participants and students have been meeting on a weekly basis, enjoying activities such as arts and crafts, as well as just enjoying a general catch-up over a cup of tea. MOVE project participants and BGU students alike are learning about themselves and each other, forming mutually rewarding friendships. Students are able to record their time on the befriending programme on BGU's Graduate Attributes Excellence Award, as well the BGU Volunteering Award. Matthew, BA (Hons) Applied Drama in the Community student, and Thomas have been working together since September 2021. Talking about the befriending programme, Thomas said: “I've enjoyed having conversations with Matthew about topics I don't normally get to talk about.” “Being on this scheme has allowed me to come out of my shell a little, as well as becoming more comfortable with talking to new people. I would highly recommend the scheme for anyone who might need that little extra help with their social life or to break out of their shell." Matthew added: “The buddy scheme is fantastic; it enables students to connect with others in order to improve their self-confidence and broaden their perspective on life within and outside of the university experience." "Through working as a volunteer, I have had the opportunity to work on my interpersonal skills and learn about the challenges others and I myself may face later on in life." Amy, BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies student and Emma have benefitted from the befriending programme in a variety of ways. Talking about the buddy system, Amy said: “I really enjoy volunteering on the MOVE Project’s buddy scheme, it has improved my work experience and given me confidence to pursue a career in social work once I have completed my degree”. Emma said: “I really enjoy being on the buddy scheme as I get to meet new people and I like feeling part of the BGU Community, it has boosted my skills and my confidence”. Lauren West, Careers and Employability Adviser on the MOVE Project at BGU, and coordinator of the befriending programme said: “The MOVE buddy scheme has been a joy to work on. It is an excellent opportunity to provide students with meaningful opportunities to develop personally and professionally via a funded programme based at BGU, all whilst supporting individuals in the local community. Not only does volunteering look good on individuals CV’s and future job applications, but it also enables individuals to get a better understanding regarding future career goals, broaden their perspective on life, develop new skills and meet new people. I can see improved confidence and wellbeing in both students and individuals on the MOVE Project. All that have been involved have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and it has been a great success.” MOVE at Bishop Grosseteste University is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and the European Social Fund and is part of the Greater Lincolnshire MOVE project and is now in its sixth year. The project is designed for anyone aged 16 and over in the Greater Lincolnshire area eligible to live and work in the UK but currently unemployed or out of paid work. Here at BGU we are offering ongoing 1:1 support to explore career and learning goals and help those struggling to overcome issues that are preventing them from moving forward. The project is due to end in December 2022. If you’d like to find out more about how MOVE at BGU could support, you or someone you know: Visit the Move Project webpage for more information. Call the team on 01522 583900 Or email the team at move@bishopg.ac.uk Are you an employer interested in opportunities to engage with our students and graduates by offering a placement, setting up a focus group, or research project? Please complete a short enquiry form at: https://www.bgu.ac.uk/about-bgu/bg-futures/recruit-student-graduate-talent -
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