Win Copies of "Bugnificent!" and "Animaltastic!" Books!

In our latest competition, to celebrate World Animal Day, you could win a set of fantastic children’s books “Bugnificent” and “Animaltastic" for your school. The author of these wonderful books, AnnaMaria Mclean, shares the inspiration for her works with Kent-Teach on the launch day of the competition:

Bugnificent!

Have you ever wondered why there are so many different kinds of bugs?  Why do some fly, crawl or inch their way around? Why do some eat vegetation, collect pollen or produce honey? We are so lucky to have so many different species of mini-beasts. They all have specific jobs to do whether its engineering soil, producing silk or building intricate structures. All mini-beasts are part of a very complex eco-system and crucial to the survival of the human race.

Encouraging Tolerance

I decided to write a book for children about the wonderful world of bugs, because I wanted to teach children about how fascinating they are and what job they do. Why we should be kind to all bugs, they all have a purpose and right to be alive. 

Even if there are bugs we do not like or we are scared of we should think twice about harming them. 

Imagine a world with no bugs, who would pollinate all the different species of flowers and plants? How would we make honey? How would we get rid of waste products like rotting vegetables and poo? That’s right lots of different mini-beasts help us in so many ways. 

Building Vocabulary

Writing a poetry book about bugs has been a challenge to not only find appropriate words which describe the characteristics of each bug, but finding words to rhyme has been tricky too. Finding child friendly vocabulary which children can relate to as well as challenging them with new vocabulary. There is a lot to be considered.  Children love learning new words and in Reception it brings me great joy when a pupil has remembered a new topic word and used it in the correct context.

Having parents feedback to me that they have learned things that they didn’t previously know from their child’s developing interest in the topics we are learning about.  

Providing an extensive glossary ensures that unfamiliar words are explained, which the parents can reinforce, hopefully by introducing these words children will begin using them independently therefore developing both spoken and written language. Setting the children to use ‘a word of the day’ can ensure familiarity and understanding context.

Having high expectations of the language we use around children so that these words become part of their day -to -day vocabulary. Having a broad and extensive vocabulary is beneficial because it means that young people will have the confidence to converse with adults about a wide range of subjects, which in turn will help in future assignments and even college, university or job interviews, because children will develop the confidence to converse at length.

How Did I Come Up With The Title?

Bugnificent! Is a combination of bugs and magnificent, I came up with the title because I wanted children to get excited and intrigued about what the book may be about. This book is the second in a series, my first book which is an alphabetical alliteration book is called Animaltastic! Which is a combination of animal and fantastic. I enjoy playing around with words as I feel it gives them a deeper meaning and a playful aspect.

Head over to the Kent-Teach Facebook page to enter this incredible competition to win a set of “Bugnificent” and “Animaltastic” books and a reading session with the author herself! This fantastic prize is open to schools and their communities in Kent, so what are you waiting for, enter today!

AnnaMaria Mclean is a teacher who has worked in schools for 23 years. She has worked in Kent for a number of years and currently works in the lovely seaside town of Margate. AnnaMaria has worked in schools across a number of roles including teaching assistant, 1:1 teaching assistant, teacher, supply teacher and now the EYFS Lead. Whilst she has mainly taught in primary schools she has taught across all year groups and loves the challenge they all individually bring. 

AnnaMaria is also a budding artist and creates fantastic art inspired by the animal world and nature. AnnaMaria has recently written two books all about animals which would be a fantastic addition to any book shelf.