In a ‘normal’ year, an average of eight children in a class leave primary school unable to read well. If a child can’t read well they will struggle in school, and beyond. This year, lockdown means things are much worse.
Because reading isn't just about books. It’s about reading a road sign, a safety manual, a birthday card. It’s understanding a job application and the prescription that could help save your life. Poor literacy leads to limited job prospects, poor health, low self-esteem, and even reduced life expectancy.
We’re a literacy charity giving children the reading skills and confidence they need for a fair chance in life, through our flexible volunteer-led programme.
Reading volunteering isn’t new. In fact, it’s tried, tested and proven. What is different is how we use technology to make volunteering and getting support, easier, and quicker. Safeguarded, vetted and trained volunteers use the Bookmark App to match with a school, select from time slots given, communicate with the school, rearrange if necessary, and feed back on the session, making it an easy way to fit volunteering into their busy lives.
Each session includes classroom book reading, building reader identity and literacy games, drawing from books and games in our Bookmark Box and online resources. Children undertake as many programmes as required and both the school and volunteers are supported by our Community Managers.
For the children who need us, we’re changing their story.
