Would you like to spread the joy of reading?
Schoolreaders , the children’s literacy charity, is urgently looking for enthusiastic volunteers who can help spread the joy of reading to children in Leeds primary schools.
With a focus on those schools with the greatest need, volunteers are recruited to listen to children reading every week. The volunteers act as positive role models, so their comprehension skillsare improved, as well as having the benefit of the sheer enjoyment of the sessions.
It will be no surprise to some that every year, 1 in 4 children leave primary school unable to read well, which can impact on life for many years to come. It is also evident from government statistics that it is the youngest and most disadvantaged children who have been set back the most in reading following the disruption to education caused by the Covid pandemic.
Antonia, retired, and a Schoolreaders volunteer, explains her experience, “Being a Schoolreaders volunteer has exceeded my expectations and is one of the best parts of my week. I can see the difference the reading makes to the children, particularly in their punctuation. Being able to read is the greatest gift you can give a child. They can go on to cook, build a rocket or run the country.”
Jane Whitbread, who founded Schoolreaders ten years ago which now provides over 12,000 children with a weekly one-to-one reading session: “Schoolreaders are needed more than ever, especially for the youngest and most disadvantaged pupils to help them catch up on their reading. Children who leave primary school unable to read well will have trouble accessing their secondary education fully which can have life-long consequences. The beauty of our reading scheme is that not only does it benefit children and schools, but it also gives our volunteers a huge sense of satisfaction in sharing their love of reading.”
Find out more about becoming a Schoolreaders volunteer at www.schoolreaders.org
