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Why use scripts? The scripts include questions from the four levels of questions described in a system widely used in the field of speech and language development. Independence The aim of the scheme is that the children will abandon the scripts once they have gained understanding and experience in using the four levels of questioning. … Read more
Speech, language and communication are vital skills that are linked with many different areas including children and young people’s mental health. Reading Pals base their scripts on a language model, used in the training and practice of Speech and Language professionals, to stimulate and support children’s higher level language development. The vocabulary and concepts explored … Read more
During the School Home Support pilot, in Islington primary schools, several children reported that the Reading Pals sessions had given them the confidence to help their younger siblings with reading at home. This is particularly significant for families where parents simply do not have enough time to read with the children, families where parents lack … Read more
Parents and Siblings The pre-written scripts act as a coaching tool for parents, giving them knowledge and experience in asking comprehension questions and having stimulating discussions about the child’s book. Many parents are keen to support their child’s reading development at home but lack confidence and knowledge of how best to do this. Many parents … Read more
I would like to explain why I think backing Give a Book’s crowdfunding campaign, to support 10 new Breakfast Book Clubs in schools in 2021, is an extremely worthwhile thing to do. Breakfast clubs are an ideal environment to run reading and cross-age activities because the children are present in mixed ages, many of them for … Read more
Forming Connections There are many reasons why children feel lonely; moving areas and countries, language barriers, social anxiety, speech and language processing difficulties, hearing loss, dysfunctional home lives and bullying in their communities and schools.Reading Pals can make a crucial difference to any child who is feeling lonely by helping the child to form stronger … Read more
THE CROSS-AGE READING ACTIVITIES PROVIDED BY READING PALS CONTRIBUTE TO 4 OF THE 5 STEPS, RECOMMENDED BY THE NHS, TO SUPPORT AND IMPROVE MENTAL WELLBEING. 1. CONNECT – Staff and children who have used Reading Pals all agreed that it led to strong friendships, that were mutually supportive. Often these friendships continued into the playground. The questions … Read more
School Home Support/Give a Book/Reading Pals School Home Support Practitioners after receiving training in supervising Reading Pals introduced the scheme into 8 Islington primary schools. The training and resources were provided by Reading Pals and all books were provided by Give a Book. The Practitioners were able to use the scheme to develop their selected children’s confidence … Read more
Did you know children who read for just 20 minutes a day encounter 1.8 million words annually? Yet, in a world of TikTok and Roblox, getting kids to pick up a book can feel like negotiating peace treaties. The secret? It’s not about forcing pages—it’s about crafting magic. Why Reading Habits Matter More Than You … Read more
Imagine, Your child curls up next to you, eyes wide with curiosity as they trace their finger under the words of a storybook. “What does that say, Mama?” Teaching kids to read isn’t just about flashcards or drills—it’s about unlocking a world of imagination, one letter at a time. Whether your little one is scribbling pretend … Read more
