A children's charity has launched a recruitment campaign for more volunteers to become readers in Wirral schools.
Coram Beanstalk has more than 50 years' experience in supporting children to become 'confident, independent' readers through one-to-one reading helper support but is urgently looking for new volunteers across the borough.
To become a reader, children need to spend time sharing and talking about lots of different books and have fun exploring them with someone who gives them dedicated attention – which is why volunteers are trained to do more than just 'listen to children read'.
Through 'fun, book-based weekly, individual sessions' volunteers will help children discover the joy and value that reading can bring and ultimately become readers.
Amy Lewis, head of Coram Beanstalk, said: “Reading is such a fundamental skill for children to develop during their early years, but children who find it a struggle and don’t have an adult to read with on a regular basis can start to fall behind their peers, which can lead to a loss of confidence and reading enjoyment.
"Evidence shows that when children not only can read but choose to read, they not only achieve more academically across the whole curriculum, but they also benefit from improved well-being and go on to experience greater success in life.
"And that’s where Coram Beanstalk reading helpers can really make a difference.
"We need to fill vacancies in schools across the Wirral and we can only reach more children by recruiting new reading helpers. Each volunteer will receive training and will support on average three children for 20-30 minutes, at least once a week.
"It really is such a fulfilling and meaningful volunteering role which transforms lives, so please get in touch today if you think you can help.”
Gillian Bain, a reading helper at a primary school in Bidston says: "I became a reading helper with Coram Beanstalk because I believe that in order for children to succeed, both in school and life, their ability to read is vital.
"During the past ten years I have worked with many amazing children, sharing a love of books.
"Coram Beanstalk’s regular programme of on-line development training, drop-in sessions and coffee mornings provides both constant support and the opportunity to make new friends."
If you are interested in becoming a reading helper in a local school, visit the website http://www.corambeanstalk.org.uk for more information.
To register your details, go to www.corambeanstalk.org.uk/register-now or call 020 7729 4087.
