This year’s World Book Day is 1st March 2018. While all the newspapers are full of happy children from tots to teens, trotting off to school in costumes that celebrate or commemorate their favourite books. That’s not always the case.
A recent Mumsnet survey shows that 73% of the parents who responded said that WBD is a hassle. Either major or minor, but that while that’s true. 77% still think it’s a fantastic way to get kids involved in reading and enjoying books.
Making a success of World Book Day
So how do you make a success of World Book Day? Our professional nannies tell us that there are three key steps.
- Plan ahead. It may be too late for this year, but World Book Day 2019 is Thursday 7th March. You’ve got loads of time to plan for that!
- Be clear about costumes. While 91% of parents think any character from children’s fiction is acceptable as a costume. Only 18% think that it’s okay for children to wear any kind of fancy dress on this day. A disturbing 9% say they felt judged or disapproved of by parents or teachers for their child’s choice of costume.
- Make it fun at home. Getting the audio book of a child’s favourite story to play in the car on the way to school. Planning a post-nursery snack that is themed for their chosen book can give your child a real sense that their choices are validated. This is particularly valuable if your child is bookish and has gone for something other than Roald Dahl or Harry Potter outfits.
World Book Day angst avoided
The most common problem experienced by frazzled parents is that they only get a couple of days, or a couple of hours, notice that a costume is needed.
Last minute costumes – The easiest are either Matilda. Which just needs a dress, a red hair ribbon and a pile of books. Or George from George’s Marvellous Medicine. Which requires a red jumper or T-shirt, a saucepan and a wooden spoon.
My child won’t dress up – Some children just don’t enjoy the process of dressing up. If they’re happy not to do so. One of our most experienced nanny candidates says its better not to push them. However, she says if they do have a favourite book, getting them to carry that book along with some kind of prop that relates to the book can be a useful compromise. For example a Jeremy Clarkson fan can carry a Top Gear book and a toy car.
My child doesn’t read – It’s always worth doing the footwork around children who don’t like to read or find it difficult. Books that have good movie tie-ins such as Shrek or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are ideal for these children. Watching such a film a few times before World Book Day can give your child confidence to dress up and enjoy the day.