When you are learning a new skill, you need support and encouragement, you need to practice but most important it should be FUN!
When children are learning the skill of reading it is just the same. They need lots of help and encouragement and the chance to practice so that they can develop confidence.
When children have learnt the skill of reading it is still good to practice and it should still be fun.
One of the best ways of helping is to provide lots of great books at home so they can practice but also so everyone can enjoy a good story.
So... In order to help everyone get really good at reading:
Visit the Book Fair
Every year Gateshead holds up to three book fairs for looked after children, where you can come and choose books to take home and they are free. We usually hold the Book Fairs at the Caedmon Hall in Gateshead Central Library. One Book Fair is held at the Celebration of Achievements night, which is really fun night for everyone.
Join a reading group
Look out for "Chatterbooks" a reading group that is held at some of the local libraries in Gateshead. Choose books to read, discuss and review what you thought of them and have fun with lots of activities as well.
We have been trying out a "Chatterbooks" group for looked after children at Dryden, we will let you know how it goes.