Students and staff members dressed as characters from Dahl's popular books. Photo by Rahul Gajjar/Khaleej Times
Dubai - To endorse Dahl's positive qualities, students with best behavior were given gold tickets that allowed them a special treat from the school's principal.
Published: Wed 28 Sep 2016, 3:53 PM
Last updated: Thu 29 Sep 2016, 9:15 AM
The Arcadia Preparatory School students celebrated a Roald Dahl Day on Wednesday to commemorate the birth month of the world-renowned author.
The British author behind popular titles such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and Matilda would have been 100 years old this September.
To celebrate the occasion, students and staff members dressed as characters from Dahl's popular books and each class was assigned to complete work and tasks related to one of his books.
"We had a lot of Mr. Foxes, Matildas, BFGs and witches," said the school's principal Graham Beale.
 About Roald DahlBorn: September 13, 1916 in Wales
Genre: Children's and adult's literature, fantasy, mystery.
Popular works: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr. Fox, James and The Giant Peach, Matilda, The Witches and Danny the Champion of The World.
Achievements: his books sold more than 250 million copies worldwide
Awards: 1983 World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement and the British Book Awards' Children's Author of the Year 1990
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He noted that Dahl always celebrated children through his books, which makes his work appealing to young students.
Since the school caters to students from kindergarten (3 years) to key stage 2 (year 6), Beale said the author's work were best to promote positive qualities among the young generation.
"Dahl's books often revolved around brave, caring and kind children. Throughout his work, he managed to send a message to children to have fun, be brave, do practical things and be kind to themselves and others," noted Beale.
To endorse Dahl's positive qualities, students with best behavior were given gold tickets that allowed them a special treat from Beale and his deputy principal: a dip in the fictional Wonka Bar of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Students enjoyed reading sessions at the school's library and role play of Dahl's popular characters. The school's librarian arranged a treasure hunt around the school using QR codes and different technology advancements.
Beale said the key was to promote the love of reading from an early stage and bring literature works to life.
He added that such events spark parents' curiosity as well. "Many families who dropped their children to school did not know the author or his work, but were prompted to buy his books and start reading them," noted Beale.
Located with Jumeirah Village Triangle, Arcadia Preparatory School opened its door on August 28, offering UK-based curriculum to its young students.
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com
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