Unique multilingual reading of The Gruffalo to mark 3 years of free language learning for children in Yorkshire    

The Community Language School (CLS) at York St John University has been granted special permission by the publishers of The Gruffalo to stage a unique multilingual reading of the famous children’s story.   

The CLS is proud to host a special reading with performances of the beloved book, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. For the first time, this classic tale will be presented by children in a mix of four languages.  

When it opened in 2022, the CLS became the only such school in the region to offer free classes in multiple languages. The team has now supported over a hundred children with language learning, aiming to ‘foster a love of languages’ and keep heritage languages alive amongst younger generations.   

Now with permission from publishers Macmillan Children’s Books, a special community audience will be able to witness a unique reading of the beloved children’s book. This May, children from the Community Language School will read the story on stage at the York St John Creative Centre. The Gruffalo’s exploits will be told in a unique mix of English, Japanese, Italian and Spanish.  
 
Dr Indu Meddegama, Director and Co-Founder of the Community Language School at York St John University said: “Julia Donaldson is a masterful writer, and her stories have been translated into many languages so we couldn’t think of a better way to showcase language learning at the school. With direction and guidance from our postgraduate student and performing arts practitioner, Emily Howarth, the children have brought this story to life in a truly multilingual and multicultural way.    

“My thanks to Macmillan Children’s books for supporting this work which promises to be a fantastic way to mark the end of a third year of the school. I'm so proud of all our young people for taking part in such a memorable occasion.    

Mencia, Vega and Emilia are among the children who’ll be bringing the exploits of the Gruffalo, mouse, fox, owl and snake to life.    

Mencia (age 13) said: “The Community Language School has helped me feel more confident and comfortable in my Spanish. The teachers are wonderful and help us in different ways depending on our knowledge of the language. The best of it all is getting to perform with my Spanish, getting to mix two of my favourite things together and I feel like it has helped me feel closer to the language.   

“What I've learnt here will follow me my whole life.”     

Vega (age 10) said: “It's a fun way to develop my Spanish. All the staff are amazing and helpful. It’s an interesting way to connect with other languages. I'm really enjoying it and I am meeting lots of new friends.”     

Emilia (age 9) said " I love learning Italian at the CLS, although sometimes it is a bit hard to go back to "school". I especially like the play, The Gruffalo, and although I have a small role, I found out how much I like acting, so much so that I have been asking my mum to enrol me in a drama class."     

Asun (Mencia and Vega's mother) said: “The Community Language School helps us keep our daughters close to our culture. Thanks to the school, they feel their mother tongue is a gift that adds to their personalities and makes them unique.     

“The opportunity to be on stage and perform in their two languages brings their true selves to the fore, and gives them the chance to cross boundaries and show traits they associate to each of the cultures and don't normally mix or blend.”  

Adriana (Emilia’s mother) said: “The school community has been a wonderful resource. While Emilia proudly considers herself Italian, the dominant language and culture in her life are British. Being the only nearby family member to share Italian history, traditions, and heritage, the CLS community has significantly broadened her knowledge and appreciation of Italian culture and values.    

“It feels like an extended family, offering interactive and fun ways for her to connect with her mother tongue and heritage. I truly see the school as more than just an educational institution; it's a community that nurtures this connection.”    

The Community Language School presents their enhanced reading of The Gruffalo on Saturday 31 May, 3pm at the York St John Creative Centre. The show will be for a full house community audience made up of parents, carers and CLS families.  

"The Gruffalo" copyright © Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 1999. Published by Macmillan Children’s Books.