My Child Can’t Read and Won’t Read: Rekindling the Love for Reading in Children and Young People
24th June 2024
In Conversation with:
- Naomi Jones, Award-winning Children’s Author & Poet.
- Basia Godel, Librarian, Leeds City Council.
- Blessing Ingyape, International Dyslexia Teacher of the year.
- Lovette Monyei (FCCT), Education Team Leader, Afrikindness.
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Reading is a fundamental skill that provides the foundation of a child’s education and lifelong learning. However, just 2 in 5 (43.4%) children and young people aged 8 to 18 in England said that they enjoyed reading in their free time in 2023.
With the increasing use of social media, internet and digital distractions, and the declining reading habits, it is essential to actively promote reading among children and young people.
Why is reading important in children and young people?
“Reading opens the door to endless knowledge and imagination, nurturing the mind and soul, and shaping a brighter future.”
This webinar hosted by Afrikindness Parent Team aims to bring together authors, educators, parents, librarians, and experts to discuss effective strategies for fostering a strong reading culture in children and to share successful practices and resources.
The webinar discussed:
- The importance of reading for child development.
- How neurodiversity impact children’s reading and development; Strategies of how to support children.
- Key challenges and barriers to promoting reading in young people.
- Role of schools and libraries in encouraging reading.
- Innovative approaches to foster a love for reading.
This insightful and informative session is a must-watch for all parents!
Stay informed and empowered!
📽️ Watch the full conversation below:-
Resources for Children :-
SUMMER OF KINDNESS
A month-long celebration of Kindness for Children
Aug 1st – 31st
SUMMER READING CHALLENGE
The Summer Reading Challenge is a FREE holiday activity for children. It's all about reading for fun, aiming to improve children's reading skills and confidence.
DISCOVERING CHILDREN'S BOOKS
Discovering Children’s books with the British Library – a collection of videos by children’s authors and illustrators offering a range of book-related crafts and activities.
Resources recommended by Dyslexia experts :-
NESSY READING & SPELLING
At Nessy we are best known as advocates for children with dyslexia around the globe. But the Nessy programs are not only for dyslexia. Nessy is widely used for whole class, phonics, math, typing and early reading instruction.
STORYLINE ONLINE
Two-time Emmy®-nominated and award-winning children’s literacy website, Storyline Online®, streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. and dozens more.
Videos
NAOMI AND JAMES JONES YOUTUBE
Naomi and James are a creative couple from Cornwall who love telling stories through words and pictures. Their picture books have been translated into 19 languages and shortlisted for multiple awards including the Klaus Flugge award.
BLESSING INGYAPE TIPS FOR PARENTS
Blessing Ingyape is an internationally certified special needs educator and dyslexia coach, renowned for her expertise in neurodiversity and specific learning difficulties. Listen to Blessing’s tips for parents.
STORYLINE ONLINE
Two-time Emmy®-nominated and award-winning children’s literacy website, Storyline Online®, streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. and dozens more.
PUFFINS BOOKS
Puffin books on YouTube has a selection of Storytimes and related activities.
Resources for Parents :-
THE EVIDENCE ON READING FOR PLEASURE
This briefing note highlights research evidence on reading for pleasure from domestic and international literature; exploring evidence on the trends and benefits of independent reading amongst both primary and secondary-aged children, as well as why children read
10 TOP TIPS FOR PARENTS TO SUPPORT CHILDREN TO READ
Reading helps your child’s wellbeing, develops imagination and has educational benefits too. Just a few minutes a day can have a big impact on children of all ages. Find out how best to support your child’s reading with the 10 top tips listed here.
TOP TIPS FOR PARENTS
How do you support a reluctant child to enjoy reading? How do you help your child develop a love of reading? Here are our top tips to help parents encourage even the most reluctant child to develop a love of reading.
TOP 10 TIPS TO HELP CHILDREN ENJOY READING
To help make reading enjoyable and fun, we asked experts and authors what they recommend helping get children reading. Find out more about the top 10 rips to help your child enjoy reading.
Parents in Leeds – For You
- Sign up link for the Leeds Libraries Children and Families newsletter which contains info on upcoming events at Leeds Libraries. Sign up here for free events in Leeds :- SIGN UP
- Book all Leeds Libraries events: – BOOK NOW
- App with free audiobooks and e-books for all ages with a Leeds Libraries card: – SIGN UP HERE
- App with free newspapers, magazines and comics for all ages with a Leeds Libraries card. Other library authorities may also provide their audiobooks and e-books through Libby – SIGN UP HERE
- Fun at home with authors and illustrators by the Book trust. LEARN MORE
- Statistics on the importance of reading for pleasure. READ HERE
- Great for book and author recommendations, including for dyslexic and reluctant readers, but it does require a small subscription fee. LEARN MORE
Other Useful Resources
- Free reading is magic festival – https://www.readingismagicfestival.com/
- Free downloadable worksheets – https://www.naomiandjamesjones.com
- Free trial and resources – https://www.nessy.com/en-us/product/nessy-reading-and-spelling-home
