NINE million words and counting – an 11-year-old pupil at a school in Rugby has clocked up the impressive total having read over 100 books during this school year.
Crescent School pupil Daniel Ovens Gibbs has smashed his previous personal best of reading six million words across 65 books, which he achieved last year.
Modest Daniel said: “I love reading – it takes me into a world of adventure and stimulates my imagination. My favourite time to read is in the evening; it helps me wind down after the day.”
Some of Daniel’s favourite reads this year have included The Return of Sherlock Holmes, The Earthsea Saga and The Lantern Bearers – all mystery and adventure stories full of drama and suspense.
Outside of school, Daniel reads most days, plays hockey and tennis, enjoys sailing, and finds time to practise the piano and flute.
Crescent School assistant head Sarah Webb, who leads on literacy at the school, said: “We have a very positive reading culture – it is cool for boys to read.
“Many of our boys in Year 6 have the reading age of a 16-year-old. There are just so many good books out there for boys to read these days.”
The Crescent’s approach to literacy is supported by Renaissance’s Accelerated Reader system. Children take a quiz after reading each book that tests their understanding.
The approach promotes reading for pleasure while ensuring the children read appropriately-challenging books. It also totals up the books and words read.
Sarah added: “Pupils from Year 3 onwards take part in the reading challenge and can quiz daily on the computers before school. We find the boys respond really well to the competitive nature of the challenge.
“Daniel has been our top reader for several years, but it is an absolutely awe-inspiring achievement that he has read nine million words this year.”
