At Coram Beanstalk we train our reading helpers to spend some, or even all, of their sessions reading to the children they are supporting - because we know just how much that benefits a child's path to becoming a reader.

When reading to an adult, children are often using much of their brain power to decode individual words - which leaves little brain capacity to process their collective meaning. By hearing words read aloud, a child has time to picture, imagine and connect to a story. They can focus on what’s actually happening!

Reading aloud to children of any age has both academic and emotional benefits as they are exposed to more complex vocabulary, in context, which you can discuss with them and reinforce. And, it provides the opportunity to explore emotive or sensitive subjects in a guided way - helping build empathy - giving you both the opportunity to stimulate discussion outside of book-reading. Making connections is an important part of comprehension; by reading with a child you are able to help them see how what they have read connects to their lives or the lives of others.

Reading a story aloud with voices and expression, not only helps children to better understand the meaning but it also makes reading exciting - and even better, you get the sheer pleasure of legitimately reading (or re-reading) some amazing children’s books!

We've come up with a list of books which are perfect for reading aloud - and we guarantee that they'll have you, and the child you're reading to begging for more!

About the book

Peggy, the Always Sorry Pigeon by Wendy Meddour, illustrated by Carmen Saldana

Peggy is pushed from perch to perch, but she's the one always saying sorry. Can Joan the seagull help Peggy realise her worth and reclaim her power? Through humour and persistence Peggy learns to stand up for herself in this charming picture book.

Peggy is an apologetic pigeon. She automatically says she's sorry for everything, even when she hasn't done anything wrong, or when she's the one getting picked on. But Joan a seagull who sees the trouble this is causing for Peggy, gives her a nudge to stand up for herself. This tale from award-winning author Wendy Meddour contains an important message about the importance of being assertive.

Listen to Louis Theroux reading 'Peggy, the Always Sorry Pigeon' on CBEEBIES

Equally brilliant beanstalk books to read aloud

 

Buy any of these books here and Coram Beanstalk receive a 10% donation