Eminem helping children pick up books (From The Bolton News)

Eminem helping children pick up books

11:03am Saturday 5th July 2008 in

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RAP artists such as 50 Cent and Eminem are proving to be the unlikely inspiration behind a increase in the boys picking up a library book at a Bolton secondary school Since June lads at Ladybridge School in Deane have been taking part in a "Read it n' Rap" project.

Twice a week the music of Eminem and other stars is used to entice pupils from years seven, eight and nine to the school library during the lunch break.

After half an hour reading, they spend the rest of the session writing their own rap lyrics based on the books they have read.

The school received funding of £3,500 from the Lottery's Awards For All scheme. The money was divided between the school and Rivington and Blackrod which also staged the project and was used to buy music and sports themed books as well as biographies of popular rap and sports stars for a boys' only book shelf.

English teacher and assistant head, Ann Zammit, said: "There is a drive nationally to get boys to read more. This is an idea we came up with, using modern culture and interests to encourage them to use the library and read more.

"Hopefully this project has sparked an interest in reading."

Ms Zammit said the boys would read and discuss the themes and issues in the book.

"They were essentially taking part in a seminar," she said: "But there was rap music playing in the background.

"We had 100 boys turn up at the first session out of curiosity but they kept coming back. It was fabulous to see them working, the work they did was on their own."

The sessions culminated in a competition yesterday (thursday). Nine finalists performed their raps in the library in front of the other pupils. The winner was Naim Ismail, aged 11. His rap was entitled Muhammad Ali.

The Tupac fan said: "I had not really been to the library before. The sessions were really good. We were discussing what we reading and it was great having a boys' only bookshelf.

"The project was difficult but very enjoyable. Through this I enjoy studying poems and examining the language used. Tupac is my favourite artist and I like analysing what he is talking about."

Naim received a certificate, and a trip to watch Bolton Wanderers FC play, as well as a free lesson in the school's boxing gym.

Lee Frazer, aged 13, who came third, added: "It was really interesting to discuss books with friends. I didn't read much before but now I will read more, and read in a different, more critical way."