World Book Day: FREE Resources for families and teachers
Forces Children’s Education has a diverse library of free resources available to families and education professionals. To celebrate World Book Day on 7 March, we have compiled a list of our recommended resources.
The annual celebration of books, illustrations and writers is a great way to engage and inspire children and young people.
Forces Children’s Education is committed to supporting children and young people from Forces families, with information and resources for parents, carers and educators.
We also have a list of partner organisations and informative websites to help create a smooth transition for all Forces children, parents and educators.
Carolyn MacLeod MBE, the National Education Officer (NEO) who runs Forces Children’s Education, said: “Supporting Armed Forces families is key to helping students on their learning journey. This World Book Day we want families and educators to know they have access to free and informative content on the Forces Children’s Education Resources page.
“The Scottish education system is an institution in which Armed Forces children can thrive. It has a uniquely holistic approach which is specifically designed to support each child’s individual needs and has a long tradition of high standards of attainment and inclusion for all.
“We have several invaluable resources to help families and education professionals meet our shared goal – enabling Armed Forces children to reach their full potential.”
World Book Day was first launched in 1995 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), World Book Day is celebrated in more than 100 countries across the world.
Children whose parents are serving, or have served, in the military can have unique needs and there may be times when they require additional support to be successful in their learning. Forces Children’s Education website provides clear information for education professionals and Armed Forces families in Scotland. Created by the Association of Directors of Education (ADES), in conjunction with the Scottish Government, Local Authorities across Scotland and the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
The website also includes a searchable list of the catchment schools serving every patch and military base in Scotland.
Supporting Forces Families this World Book Day
Forces Children’s Education is delighted to support World Book Day 2024 and these are our top recommended resources to support children and young people from Armed Forces families.
Powers from Transition comic book
Meet a special set of characters who are eager to help children transition to the Scottish Education system.
These characters were specifically designed by Dekko Comics for Armed Forces children to connect with Military families.
The free comic is available to view digitally.
Understanding the Scottish Education System: An Overview for Armed Forces Families
This 16-page fact-filled guide to Scottish Education has been created for families by Forces Children’s Education Scotland to provide an overview of early learning and childcare (ELC) and school settings.
To find out more about and download the free guide.
Guidance for Armed Forces Families: Transitions into Scottish Schools – Early Stages
Why is education so different in Scotland? Why is my child starting school later in Scotland? These are just two of the many questions answered in this learning guide.
More support for Forces families
Forces Children’s Education also includes information for families and education professionals, including:
Rallying to the Flag
This ground-breaking report was the result of a two-year research project conducted by Carolyn, in collaboration with ADES and the Centre of Military Research, Education and Public Engagement with Edinburgh Napier University.
Rallying to the Flag: A Consolidated Picture of Armed Forces Children’s Education in Scotland in 2021: Laying Foundations & Promoting Development report provides an overview of the challenges faced by children and young people when a family member is in the Armed Forces.
To find out more information and receive a free copy of this valuable resource, click here.
Toolkit for Teachers
Forces Children’s Education and the National Education Officer produced an advice toolkit for teachers with Armed Forces pupils. The guide will help staff answer the questions when a Military family joins their school.
Understanding these students and their unique experiences and challenges is vital to help them gain the knowledge, skills and resilience they need to reach their full potential.
The toolkit is available here.
Admissions Guidance
Starting a new school is a key moment in any child’s life, this booklet covers seven key steps – a child’s journey, nursery provision, secondary school enrollment, age placements, easing the transition, reserving places and seeking support from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
The guidance booklet can be downloaded from here.
Resources
Forces Children’s Education has even more guides and links to our partner organisations for families, carers and children available in our Resources section.
Check back regularly for the latest Forces family resource updates.