Media centre
Extreme reading in Tamworth
12 May 2009
12 May 2009
Reading project sees local children and families pack their tents for reading camp
People passing by Two Gates Primary field will be treated to an unusual sight tomorrow (13 May 2009). Children and their families from Two Gates Primary in Tamworth will spend the afternoon camping in the local field and telling tales. The camp-out is part of an innovative, UPS-funded National Literacy Trust project.
Children and their families from Years 3 and 4 at Two Gates Primary school will be armed with tents and camping mats for an afternoon of storytelling, games and reading. Children will be able to choose a free book to take home and share with their family. The event offers families an opportunity to enjoy stories together and takes reading out of the classroom and into an exciting campsite.
The reading camp is one of many events that are taking place in the Belgrave district in 2009, as part of the UPS-funded project. The involvement of families is key to the project, as the events are a valuable opportunity to increase parents’ understanding of the difference they can make to their child’s education. The project has run a wide range of fun and adventurous events, challenging traditional notions that reading must be a quiet or individual pastime.
Sue Hambly, co-ordinator for the UPS-funded reading projects, commented on the innovative approach:
" Starting with what children love and will enjoy, whether that’s sport, films, or in this case, camping and pitching a tent, really helps to engage children with reading. Most importantly, events like today’s camp-out are a wonderful opportunity to engage parents too. Through the UPS project we have run events in all sorts of places in Tamworth this year, from the castle to fields, libraries and community centres, but taking our tents and sleeping bags along with stories and books is certainly something to remember!”
Jonathan Douglas , director, National Literacy Trust, commented:
" Reading for pleasure has been shown to be the strongest indicator of future success, outweighing other socio-economic factors, so the importance of these types of projects cannot be underestimated. Support from UPS has allowed us to reach out to lots of local families, in a relaxed and very memorable way, which helps us to change attitudes to reading and increase motivation.”
Eve Lear, class teacher at Two Gates Primary said:
“Our last event was a “reading sleep- over”, when the children brought in their pyjamas, teddies and sleeping bags and all settled down with parents, grandparents and carers to share their new books. The children really loved it and chose to take their books out for a reading “camp-out” this half term. There is another exciting reading event after half term but that is still under wraps!”
Press are invited to attend the event where there will be photo opportunities with the children.
ENDS
About the National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that changes lives through literacy. It links home, school and the wider community to inspire learners and create opportunities for everyone. www.literacytrust.org.uk
The National Literacy Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, no. 1116260, and a company limited by guarantee, no. 5836486, Registered office: 68 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL.
About UPS
UPS (NYSE: UPS) is the world’s largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain and freight services. With more than a century of experience in transportation and logistics, UPS is a leading global trade expert equipped with a broad portfolio of solutions. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, USA, and can be found on the web at www.ups.com. To get UPS news direct, visit www.pressroom.ups.com
Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, USA, in 2007 The UPS Foundation distributed $46.4 million worldwide through grants that benefit organisations or programmes such as the National Literacy Trust and provide support for building stronger communities. The UPS Foundation pursues these initiatives by identifying specific projects where its support can help produce a measurable social impact. Visit www.community.ups.com for more information about UPS's community involvement.
