Young Readers Programme in schools and libraries
The Young Readers Programme team trains professionals to run three fun events in schools and libraries. The volunteer project coordinators then use their knowledge to create events that will really inspire their children to enjoy reading. These events all follow the same structure:
- Fun activities - popular events include “sleepovers” where children get into pyjamas to read bedtime stories during the day, outdoor picnics, beach parties, fancy dress events, library visits, storytelling, quizzes and themed events tying in with current events like the Olympics or perennially popular themes such as aliens or pirates.
- Book choice strategies - as part of the sessions children learn top tips to help them choose a book. For some children who don’t regularly visit bookshops and libraries, learning simple techniques such as opening the book and reading the first few sentences can help them choose a book they’ll really enjoy.
- Choosing a book - children get to choose a book to take away and keep.
- Time to read the book - each session has some quiet reading time so the children can check they’ve made the right choice and get stuck into their new book.
- Concluding chat - the coordinator talks to the children to find out if they have any ideas for the next event or if there are any books they’d like to choose next time.
Our library projects follow this structure but at least one and often all three events take place in the local library, helping children become more familiar with the range of books available and where to get books once the project is over.
Find out more about the impact of the Young Readers Programme in schools and libraries.
