Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Kirsten Allen (@kidsstoryworld) @kidsstoryworld.bsky.social · 2h

My latest poem on a topic that frustrates me no end. #readingforpleasure is so beneficial for children. The powers that be acknowledge this but not much to support. Reading at home is not always an option.
It needs to be an option in schools.
Teachers are brilliant. The system is not. 💕

Kirsten Allen (@kidsstoryworld) @kidsstoryworld.bsky.social · 2h

Also don’t know if it’s good news but have been writing a bit more this week…

Reposted by Kirsten Allen (@kidsstoryworld)

BookTrust @booktrust.org.uk · 5h

On #WorldMentalHealthDay, we're thinking about the ways reading can help to support mental wellbeing.

Our guide for primary schools, produced with input from the team at children's mental health charity Place2Be, digs into the research and shares practical tips for schools 👇

https://bit.ly/48nuztj

A photo of a child smiling while sitting on a chair reading a book plus the words: "Children who are most engaged with reading are three times more likely to experience higher levels of mental wellbeing than those who are least engaged". Plus the source: Clark, C. & Teravainen-Goff, A. (2018). Mental wellbeing, reading and writing. National Literacy Trust. Retrieved March 17, 2025, https://nlt.cdn.ngo/media/documents/Mental_ wellbeing_reading_and_writing_2017-18_-_FINAL2_qTxyxvg.pdf.

2 1

Reposted by Kirsten Allen (@kidsstoryworld)

Kirsten Allen (@kidsstoryworld) @kidsstoryworld.bsky.social · 3h

It’s #DyspraxiaAwarenessWeek which makes me SO happy - my son is DCD (dyspraxic) and I believe I was misdiagnosed dyslexic as not much was known about dyspraxia. The more sharing and awareness, hopefully more people will realise it’s not just about “being a bit clumsy”. It can have an affect on…

1 4 3

Kirsten Allen (@kidsstoryworld) @kidsstoryworld.bsky.social · 3h

…confidence, organisation, executive function and more. BUT also so many positives -
Creative thinking
Great imagination & storytelling
Empathy & Emotional sensitivity
Determination and resilience

This and more awareness being raised is something to celebrate💕

wordsfirst.uk/dyspraxia-aw...

wordsfirst.uk

2 5

Kirsten Allen (@kidsstoryworld) @kidsstoryworld.bsky.social · 3h

It’s #DyspraxiaAwarenessWeek which makes me SO happy - my son is DCD (dyspraxic) and I believe I was misdiagnosed dyslexic as not much was known about dyspraxia. The more sharing and awareness, hopefully more people will realise it’s not just about “being a bit clumsy”. It can have an affect on…

1 4 3

Reposted by Kirsten Allen (@kidsstoryworld)

BookTrust @booktrust.org.uk · 8d

Happy #NationalPoetryDay!

Whether you were inspired by Alex Wharton in yesterday's #BookTrustRepresents workshop, love our #WriterInResidence Matt Goodfellow's books, or just want to enjoy some verse, check out our poetry booklists 👇

https://bit.ly/42kuLG0

The front covers of poetry books we recommend plus the words: "Books for National Poetry Day"

7 14

Kirsten Allen (@kidsstoryworld) @kidsstoryworld.bsky.social · 11d

Not sure of the publisher or title but i had one about dolphins- still remember a couple of facts from it. And the hamster one rings a bell! There was one that said Russian Male Dwarf hamsters behave like midwives when the female gives birth. Not sure why that random fact stuck out 😂

Kirsten Allen (@kidsstoryworld) @kidsstoryworld.bsky.social · 13d

This is lovely! 😍

Sarah McIntyre @sarahmcintyre.bsky.social · 13d

Saint Govan's Chapel, on the Pembrokshire coast in Wales, ink & watercolour ✍️

1

Kirsten Allen (@kidsstoryworld) @kidsstoryworld.bsky.social · 13d

It was given as a gift- To be clear it was the early 90s - parents probably didn’t even look at the picture 😂

2

Kirsten Allen (@kidsstoryworld) @kidsstoryworld.bsky.social · 13d

Love this!! Used to have it as a jigsaw puzzle as a kid

1 1

Kirsten Allen (@kidsstoryworld) @kidsstoryworld.bsky.social · 14d

🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳
Couldn’t agree more.
Funding for libraries, more story time more chance to read for pleasure in school.
If you cut your finger, you don’t need tests to see if it’s bleeding. It’s obvious. The solution is the care and resources not always the testing.

Louie Stowell @louiestowell.bsky.social · 14d

Not an expert in the field but I suspect teachers and schools already KNOW which students are struggling with reading. What they need are solutions. Such as funding for libraries with librarians.

Schools Week @schoolsweek.bsky.social · 14d

Exclusive: The government plans to introduce a mandatory reading test for year 8 pupils in its upcoming schools white paper, amid fears poorer children are disengaging in the early years of secondary school

schoolsweek.co.uk/year-8s-to-s...

1 9

Kirsten Allen (@kidsstoryworld) @kidsstoryworld.bsky.social · 14d

…level etc but there should also be acknowledgment for creativity.
It’s long but this is one of the best talks on the subject I’ve ever seen…

www.ted.com/talks/sir_ke...

ケン・ロビンソン「学校教育は創造性を殺してしまっている」

サー・ケン・ロビンソンは、人間の創造性を（弱めてしまうのではなく）育てていくための教育システムを構築している。彼のやり方はエンターテイメント性に溢れると同時に、我々の心の奥底に何かを強く訴えかけてくる。

www.ted.com

Kirsten Allen (@kidsstoryworld) @kidsstoryworld.bsky.social · 14d

Son writes beautifully - his use of words and language are so descriptive (am biased anyway). To reach an expected standard in SATS apparently he needs to be able to use a comma in the right place. His teacher is actually amazing and encouraging. SATS are not. I get kids need testing to find their…

1

Kirsten Allen (@kidsstoryworld) @kidsstoryworld.bsky.social · 20d

Really is. So much work went into it 💕

1

Reposted by Kirsten Allen (@kidsstoryworld)

Louie Stowell @louiestowell.bsky.social · 21d

It's friday! That means it's time for the weekly good news thread. What's YOUR good news for the week? What's made you smile?

a woman in a leather jacket is giving a thumbs up sign

Alt: Wynnona Earp a leather jacket is giving a thumbs up sign

media.tenor.com

49 11 41

Kirsten Allen (@kidsstoryworld) @kidsstoryworld.bsky.social · 20d

Just to add @honestmum.bsky.social put her heart, soul and Greek heritage into this. It’s been incredible to see it come to life at last! 🥳🤗

1 2

Kirsten Allen (@kidsstoryworld) @kidsstoryworld.bsky.social · 20d

Had a new spark for some old manuscripts I wrote (I’d been sitting on them for aaaaages trying to work out how to rewrite - they needed A LOT of work)
And got to pick up a few copies of my lovely friend’s debut children’s book for the school 🥳 @honestmum.bsky.social @scholasticuk.bsky.social

1 1 6

Reposted by Kirsten Allen (@kidsstoryworld)

What on Earth! @whatonearth.bsky.social · 20d

🎉 We are thrilled that Galápagos Islands by Karen Romano Young & Amy Grimes has been longlisted for the 2026 @uklitassociation.bsky.social Book Awards (Information 3–14)! The only national awards judged entirely by teachers 👩‍🏫 👨‍🏫

Get your copy of the book now: whatonearth.pub/4n1Sq6a

#UKLA2026 👏

1 4

Kirsten Allen (@kidsstoryworld) @kidsstoryworld.bsky.social · 23d

🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳

Kirsten Allen (@kidsstoryworld) @kidsstoryworld.bsky.social · 23d

This book haul made my week!😍 Grabbed a few copies of my lovely friend @honestmum.bsky.social debut #kidlit book Greek Myths, Folktales & Legends from @waterstoneskids.bsky.social and it’s BEAUTIFUL.
Illustrations by #Paulazorite are STUNNING ✨
Perfect addition to any home or classroom library 📚

Kirsten Allen (@kidsstoryworld) @kidsstoryworld.bsky.social · 23d

@scholasticuk.bsky.social

Kirsten Allen (@kidsstoryworld) @kidsstoryworld.bsky.social · 23d

This book haul made my week!😍 Grabbed a few copies of my lovely friend @honestmum.bsky.social debut #kidlit book Greek Myths, Folktales & Legends from @waterstoneskids.bsky.social and it’s BEAUTIFUL.
Illustrations by #Paulazorite are STUNNING ✨
Perfect addition to any home or classroom library 📚

1 1

Reposted by Kirsten Allen (@kidsstoryworld)

School Reading List @schoolreadinglist.bsky.social · Sep 9

Looking for great class texts for 7-11-year-old children in Key Stage 2? We have some great ideas and choices curated by our team of teachers, including stories by Malorie Blackman, Jacqueline Wilson, Anne Fine & Roald Dahl schoolreadinglist.co.uk/category/rea... #kidlit

Reading lists for KS2 school pupils

Best books for KS2. Recommended reading books for junior school students in years 3-6 aged 7-11, selected by teachers and librarians.

schoolreadinglist.co.uk

4 7

Reposted by Kirsten Allen (@kidsstoryworld)

Louie Stowell @louiestowell.bsky.social · Sep 8

Off to Richmond today to paint the window at @alligatorsmouth.bsky.social. If you want to come and see my finished handiwork and get your Loki signed, join us on Monday 15th Sept after school, 4pm. Details here! www.thealligatorsmouth.co.uk/event-detail...

Louie Stowell: Loki Book Signing | Alligator's Mouth

4:00-5:00pm - Meet Louie Stowell after school to have the latest Loki book signed!

www.thealligatorsmouth.co.uk

1 3 20

Reposted by Kirsten Allen (@kidsstoryworld)

Authors Abroad @authorsabroad.bsky.social · Sep 7

We're gearing up for #NationalPoetryDay on 2 October!

We have limited #schoolvisit availability, or @poetrydayuk.bsky.social @literacy-trust.bsky.social and children's poetry legend @brianmosespoet.bsky.social have some brilliant resources.

The theme this year is play... let the word play begin! 🤩

7 5