Tips for parents

At Coram Beanstalk we want every child to be a confident reader and every adult to feel comfortable reading with the children in their lives. This section has lots of useful tips to help you grow a love of reading, including our myth-busting film.

How we can best help children become readers

Take a look at our myth-busting film containing our best advice for helping children to become readers... Read more

Grow a love of reading: Tip #1

Read to your child, regardless of how old they are! Read more

Grow a love of reading: Tip #2

Reading shouldn't just be reserved for bedtime Read more

Grow a love of reading: Tip #3

Check understanding with book-based games and discussion Read more

Grow a love of reading: Tip #4

Embrace reading the same books (over and over again!) Read more

Grow a love of reading: Tip #5

Reading doesn't have to be all about fiction! Read more

Grow a love of reading: Tip #6

Set yourself up to succeed! Read more

Grow a love of reading: Tip #7

Read together as a family! Read more

Grow a love of reading: Tip #8

Get more out of a picture book Read more

Grow a love of reading: Tip #9

Give the right message Read more

Grow a love of reading: Tip #10

Read to the dog! Read more

Grow a love of reading: Tip #11

Make it personal! Read more

Latest

'Somewhere special to read' for Camden school children at St. Pancras

School children from Argyle Primary School in Camden enjoyed a 'somewhere special to read’ session at St. Pancras International’s book-themed Christmas tree on Friday 1 December. The children were joined by Coram Beanstalk’s volunteer reading helpers and were able to listen to some of the audiobooks in the reading nooks at the bottom of the Hatchards book-themed Christmas tree.
December 2023

What better choice for our #BeanstalkBrilliant Book of the Month for December than the first in this festive series from Mel Taylor-Bessent, 'The Christmas Carrolls'. We've chosen a whole host of winter- and festive-themed favourites this month...
Everything schools need to share our volunteering opportunity
Coram Beanstalk's first BookFest in Liverpool!

This week, Coram Beanstalk's first Liverpool BookFest took place at The Very Group's head office, bringing author sessions with Marie Basting and Mark Powers to Coram Beanstalk partner schools in the North West.

Apply to become a volunteer with us

Ready to take the first step to becoming a reading helper? Check that you can meet some basic practicalities and fill in our application form here.
Frequently asked questions

You may have some questions in your mind before you fill in your application form. Here are answers to our most commonly asked questions. If your question isn't answered here you can find out how to get in touch with our team.
The benefits of being a reading helper

We know from our volunteers that being a reading helper brings purpose and enjoyment into their lives. Find out more about the benefits of being part of our reading community here.
Our approach

Find out more about how we work and our approach to reading support.
Thank you for applying to be a Coram Beanstalk reading helper
Literacy charities join forces

On 1st November 2017 Reading Matters merged with the national children’s literacy charity Beanstalk.
Current vacancies

Click here to view our current vacancies.
Volunteer agreement

Find out more about how we will do the best we can to make your volunteer experience with us enjoyable and rewarding.
Story Starters training

Our early years programme offers a unique approach to equipping adults in your setting to help children develop all six crucial pre-reading skills plus the communication, concentration and confidence they need to ‘catch the reading bug’. Read more about how our unique programme Story Starters can help you ensure that children start their primary education ready to be taught to read.
How we train and support our volunteers

Find out how we help our volunteers to become confident in delivering the Coram Beanstalk approach and feel connected, and supported, within our reading community.