Manchester primary schools enjoy festive fun in libraries this December.
As we head towards the end of the Autumn term, we have been looking at ways to celebrate Christmas with Primary classes from across Manchester. From storytelling to crafts and then to the Roman routes of some of the traditions we have today.
We were joined by over 400 children to listen to Gav Cross’s Christmas Tales at Central, Forum, Moss Side Powerhouse and Beswick Libraries. They were delighted by silly festive stories with a twist. From Father Christmas’s origin story to the relief that we don’t have a UK Krampus, there was showing off, acting out, blowing raspberries and lots of nonsensical mayhem. Gav would like us to confirm that he is not Father Christmas himself but that they do firmly believe in each other.
St Barnabus C of E Primary School said:
I just wanted to say a quick THANK YOU for this morning. Gav was absolutely brilliant, I don’t think I’ve ever seen the kids so happy and yet so engaged!
Gav was hilarious, informative and wildly entertaining, so thank you from all of us for organising such a brilliant session.
For the artists, there was the chance to make Christmas baubles and cards, as well as the opportunity to explore city library, with a Christmassy story and the chance to look for a festive book or two to read.
Finally, we looked at some of the routes of our Christmas traditions with Marie Basting, author of the Auntie Medusa and Me, and My Family and Other Romans books.
We learnt about the Roman Tradition of Saturnalia and how some of those traditions have continued into the 21st century. One tradition we no longer have (thankfully) is Mischief Makers, who were tasked with creating chaos at Saturnalia. The children were inspired to make their own Mischief Manifestos and decorations including; snakes, stars and tiny hats for Tyson the Teabag (you will need to read Marie’s Princess BMX books to meet Tyson). We all had great festive fun.
You can find all of Marie’s books in your local library take a look if you like history, myths and legends with a twist. We can’t wait for a new term but first we would like to wish all a Merry Christmas and a peaceful holiday to all.
