Reading for pleasure has been defined by the National Literacy Trust as “reading that we do of our own free will, anticipating the satisfaction that we will get from the act of reading. It also refers to reading that, having begun at someone else’s request, we continue because we are interested in it”.
Research shows that reading for pleasure means more reading and that a child is more likely to enjoy reading and do better in all areas of learning. There is also a benefit to emotional wellbeing (UK Government Research).
Our Volunteers are trained and supported in schools by our Area Co-ordinators, and provide consistent support to children who have fallen behind. Our Volunteers help boost their reading skills, ability and confidence in a fun and engaging manner.
They engage the children they support in conversation around the books and reading (which is known as Dialogic Reading) which is a valuable tool for developing literacy skills. By modelling how good readers think, it teaches learners to become better readers. It can help improve skills such as print awareness, oral language and comprehension
Our work in the early years sector means we are targeting and working with families in the most disadvantaged areas with limited access to books and reading material. Our Storytelling sessions in libraries and communities are underpinned by key messages around early literacy development. We aim to reduce poor literacy rates by intervening early in children’s lives and supporting parents and carers to support their children’s early literacy development by providing free stay and play sessions, books and activities to extend the story at home.
