What do a firefighter, a penguin, rugby players and Massey University's vice-chancellor have in common?

They all read from their favourite books to classrooms of crazily-dressed Palmerston North students.

Terrace End School held its first Reading Extravaganza yesterday to celebrate reading and the school's new approach to it.

Principal Sue Allomes, dressed as Joy Cowley's Mrs Wishy-Washy for the day, said the "Daily Five" approach was introduced this year to make reading more fun.

The method features five different reading activities a student does each day, including reading to self, reading to someone else, word work, author's notebook, and listening to good reading.

"It's about allowing children to choose how they learn to read," she said.

"It's about making reading fun and getting children motivated to read. We tell the kids it's like a rugby player. If you want to be able to get those goals over, then you've got to practise."

Mrs Allomes said children were asked to dress up as their favourite book character.

Massey's vice-chancellor and ex-pupil Steve Maharey read pages from one of his favourite story books, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Mr Maharey read chapter one of the book to 27 year 5 and 6 pupils.

The first time Mr Maharey read the Roald Dahl classic was to his grandchildren three years ago.

"They just loved it and I loved reading it to them," he said.

"I really love Roald Dahl. I think children like his stories because they have a bit of an edge."

Others who popped into the school to read to the children included Manawatu Jets basketball coach Ryan Weisenberg, Manawatu Turbos rugby players, a firefighter, the Freyberg Pool Penguin, parents and teachers.

- © Fairfax NZ News