Beanstalk is a national literacy charity that transforms children’s life chances by supporting volunteers working with primary school children who have fallen behind with their reading.
Reading is arguably one of the most crucial parts of learning for any child. Not only to be successful academically but also in everyday tasks. Yet there are one in six children leaving primary school failing to meet the reading standards for their ages.
This means that in every class of 30 children, there are at least five children who, by the time they reach secondary school, already have uncertain futures. When you consider that 48% of prisoners are at, or below the reading age of an 11 year old, and one in five prisoners are able to complete an application form, the importance of reading becomes even more apparent.
Beanstalk reading helpers work with children on a one-to-one basis, giving them consistent support to improve reading levels, increase overall confidence and help them gain the vital literacy skills they need to succeed in education, training and employment.
Each Beanstalk reading helper works with three children and sees each child for two 30 minute sessions a week, during term-time, for a whole year. Together, they read, play and talk, the child’s approach to learning and enjoying reading is often transformed.
Local community members who are passionate about reading and supporting children to achieve are encouraged to volunteer their time as reading helpers.
Beanstalk is searching for compassionate and caring members of the local community to volunteer as Reading Helpers in primary schools nationwide, with a particular appeal across Medway and Kent.
Can you spare just 90 minutes twice a week to make a difference to a child? Full training and support is provided. If you have a passion for reading and can share this with a child then do please make contact.
If you would like to find out more, call us for a chat on 020 7729 4087 or you can read more and apply on our website at www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk.
By Andrew Cole
