Noteworthy

Waikato Literacy Association

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Congratulations to all participants in our Term 3 Book Battle. It was a fantastic success.

We are promoting Literacy in our communities through Lilliput (mini) Libraries as part of International Literacy Day (September 8th each year). We have had one built with a small starter pack of new books- it just needs a home now!

We are currently finalising our 2025 Calendar- which will be out before Xmas. We have Emma Nahna booked in for Thursday 13 March- so save the date. Emma brings a wealth of expertise and passion for literacy and language development that we’re eager to share with you all. Another one to get in to your diaries is our NZLA Symposium (2 Day) in Wellington- 22/23 September 2025- same time as Wellington's World of WearableArts (WOW) Show.

Our NZLA webinar is tomorrow (information below)- Going Deeper into Diologic Talk- for those of you who have registered (and paid). You should have received your link by now. You can still register (www.nzla.org.nz) if you get in quick.

Enjoy the home stretch to a well deserved break!

The WLA Team

This event is perfect for Year 4-8 teachers looking for support teaching the new curriculum next year. More information will be sent out to schools once details and topics have been finalised.

Hamilton Central Library was the venue for this years 2nd WLA Book Battle with teams from across the Waikato -from Raglan to Waihi Beach and from Taupiri to Te Awamutu. Two events a Year 5 & 6 event in the morning with 22 teams followed by the Year 7 & 8 event with 26 teams.

The Hamilton Central Library buzzed with energy as it hosted this year's 2nd WLA Book Battle, drawing in the fiercest young readers from across the Waikato. From Raglan to Waihi beach, and from Taupiri to Te Awamutu, teams converged for an epic showdown.

The day kicked off with the Year 5 & 6 event, where 22 teams squared off in a morning with seven rounds of high-stakes literary questions. An exuberant team from St Joseph's Fairfield took out the honours followed narrowly be Tamahere B and then Puketaha B. Only 3 points separated the top 3 teams.

But the excitement didn’t stop there! In the afternoon, the intensity ramped up as 26 teams of Year 7 & 8 students took the stage, each eager to outwit and outshine their rivals. Ten rounds of questions and a clear winner appeared. Waikato Montessori took out the Year 7 & 8 trophy followed by Te Awamutu A and Te Rapa A.

Keen to take part next year - please click on the pre-registration form to ensure you get the information directly to your email.

On Friday, week 6, myself and some of the others from year 5-8 participated in Book Battle. It was held at Hamilton Public Library. There were 2 separate times for the years 5-6’s and 7-8’s to compete. Prior to the event we had to read a set of assigned books that we would later be questioned on. This year's books were Liars 1-5 by Jack Heath, Quarantine by Phillippa Werry, Two Degrees by Alan Gratz and The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. When we got to the library we had to go to the second floor where the competition was being held and take a seat with our teams. We all enjoyed participating this year in Book Battle and I (year 7) would definitely like to go and participate again next year. - Written by Quinn Hojnocki

After months of preparation we arrived at the Hamilton library which was where the book battle

was held. There were many schools from around the Waikato that attended. We tried to read the

8 books we were meant to but some of us didn’t finish all of them. As we were quizzed in groups of

4 on 12 rounds of ten questions. As well as a few other random rounds that were all based on

books. They were very challenging. Halfway through the spot prizes were announced and at the

start if you sat on a chair with a blue ribbon on the bottom you got to choose a book. Our teams

only got spot prizes and didn’t get a placing but the A team in the year 7 & 8's got 12th and the B

team got 13th out of 26 teams!. We all enjoyed the day and even though some of us didn’t get

prizes we learnt a lot and had lots of fun. - Written by Ava Williams

The series of challenging questions were fun and exciting. Unfortunately we did not come back with anyplacings but did come back with two spot prizes. Which was a stack of four books and school equipment.We all enjoyed the 2024 Book Battle and hope next year our school will be involved in this amazing eventand hope our school can get some placings next year. - Chelsea and Lauren

Winners of the Year 5 & 6 Competition

Winners of the Year 7 & 8 Competition

The theme for International Literacy Day 2024 is “Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies”. This means there is a focus on literacy as a means to promote pacifism, inclusivity and peace.

Lilliput Libraries started off as the Poems in the Waiting Room (NZ) 2015/16 project. It’s now expanded beyond all expectations. Here we are in 2024 and still we’re growing!

Lilliput Libraries are located on their Guardian’s fence lines and passers-by are welcome to “take a book now, leave a book later.”

The books are free for anyone to take away. You don’t have to become a member of Lilliput Libraries, you don’t need to return the books. But we encourage you to take a book now, return or donate one later. If you’re walking by and see a book that interests you, take it home. Next time you’re passing you may want to return it or pop another book in the Lilliput Library. We’re more than happy if you pass your Lilliput Library book on to someone else. It’s all about the love of reading.

Being a member of the Waikato Literacy Association gives you discounted member rates for NZLA Webinars, Symposiums and Conferences and FREE access to the NZLA Literacy Forum.

As we start our planning for 2025 WLA events

Do you have any great ideas you would like to see for an after school Literacy workshop?

Is your school a suitable venue to host an event?

If yes,

Please drop us a line to waikatoliteracy@nzla.org.nz