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  1. News and blogs
  2. Reading related blogs

Reading related blogs

Giving the gift of reading is more than just giving a book

Giving the gift of reading is more than just giving a book

Giving the gift of reading is so much more than ‘just’ giving a child a book.  When we give a child a reason to read that book, when we help them to discover for themselves the value and pleasure that reading can bring, and give them free rein to explore books in their own way.... those children become readers with all of the benefits that brings! Read more

Published: 14th February, 2022

Updated: 11th May, 2022

A reading helper's response to 'Why a joke book is more than just a stocking filler

A reading helper's response to 'Why a joke book is more than just a stocking filler"

Reading helper Michael Dillon talks about his experience of using joke books, in response to Gill Worrall's blog "Why a joke book is more than just a stocking filler." Read more

Published: 13th January, 2022

Why we need to be more open-minded about science fiction

Why we need to be more open-minded about science fiction

With Science Fiction Day on January 2nd, our Book of the Month and theme for January just had to be science fiction books! Love them or hate them, its important to offer children as many different reading materials as possible to help them find their own favourite genre! Read more

Published: 3rd January, 2022

Updated: 21st January, 2022

Author: Gill Worrall

Why a joke book is more than just a stocking filler

Why a joke book is more than just a stocking filler

December is the month of Christmas crackers so we've got jokes on our mind! Gill Worrall our Resources Developer, explores how jokes and riddles can be a useful tool in helping children with their comprehension! Read more

Published: 1st December, 2021

Updated: 6th January, 2022

Author: Gill Worrall

Let them read what they want

Let them read what they want

Adults have a tendency to push children towards reading fictional chapter books because they think that is what 'readers' read. At Coram Beanstalk our experience has shown us that in order to become a 'reader' children need to own their reading experience. Read more

Published: 11th November, 2021

Author: Gill Worrall

Why children who 'hate reading' might just like poetry!

Why children who 'hate reading' might just like poetry!

Here's why poetry can be a great hook for children who don't like reading. Read more

Published: 4th October, 2021

Updated: 10th December, 2021

Author: Gill Worrall

He reads really well but he just doesn't like reading

He reads really well but he just doesn't like reading

We shouldn’t be fooled by thinking that a child who can decode fluently is a competent reader – decoding alone is not enough.  The enjoyment of reading comes from understanding and connecting with what you have read. Read more

Published: 12th May, 2021

Updated: 4th October, 2021

Author: Gill Worrall

Helping a child find their thing!

Helping a child find their thing!

How can we help a child to find the book that really grabs them - and make our bookcase as varied as our fruit bowl? Read more

Published: 27th April, 2021

Updated: 10th December, 2021

Giving non-fiction a green light

Giving non-fiction a green light

Children need to understand that factual books are just as worthy as fiction when it comes to reading for pleasure. Read more

Published: 27th January, 2021

Updated: 9th August, 2021

Author: Gill Worrall

Cooking up a valuable reading experience

Cooking up a valuable reading experience

On World Pasta Day we thought we’d take the opportunity to share one type of book that often gets neglected when reading with children, the humble recipe book! Read more

Published: 25th October, 2020

Updated: 1st September, 2021

‘No mummy, I don’t want to draw a picture of that book I just read!’

‘No mummy, I don’t want to draw a picture of that book I just read!’

Pushing too hard and always expecting something in return may, over time, turn that keen little bookworm into a child reluctant to engage. Our latest Learning & Development session helps our reading helpers explore just how we can help children feel good about reading. Read more

Published: 7th October, 2020

Updated: 9th August, 2021

Author: Gill Worrall

Find a book they love!

Find a book they love!

Amy Jennings, a primary school teacher, reading specialist and author, shares her thoughts on finding 'just' the right book in this guest blog. Read more

Published: 6th October, 2020

Updated: 10th December, 2021

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Showing 10 of 12

Latest

  • Reading is the bedrock of knowledge and that’s why I work as a reading helper at a primary school in Birmingham.

    Reading is the bedrock of knowledge and that’s why I work as a reading helper at a primary school in Birmingham.

    Dr Bharti Parmar couldn't read until she was seven years old. Here she tells us how the reasons for that have shaped her volunteering role with us...

  • June 2022

    June 2022

    In a month when we celebrate The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, our #BeanstalkBrilliant book of the month is by our ambassador, Sir Michael Morpugo, "There Once Is A Queen". Hear from Michael himself and discover more books which can help children learn about the monarchy and understand what all the fuss is about!

  • As a retired teacher with dyslexia I knew immediately I had to be involved!

    As a retired teacher with dyslexia I knew immediately I had to be involved!

    One of our recently trained reading helpers talks about why she chose to join our Coram Beanstalk reading community...

  • Coram Beanstalk publishes Impact Report for 2021-22

    Coram Beanstalk publishes Impact Report for 2021-22

    After two years of disrupted service in schools, Coram Beanstalk are delighted to publish their latest Impact Report for the year 2021 - 2022. Read stories from across the Coram Beanstalk community of children, schools and volunteers - and see our latest impact statistics.

Most read

  • Become a volunteer reading helper

    Become a volunteer reading helper

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

  • Frequently asked questions

    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

    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

    Our approach

    Find out more about how we work and our approach to reading support.

  • Thank you for applying to be a Beanstalk reading helper

  • Literacy charities join forces

    Literacy charities join forces

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

  • Story Starters training

    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.

  • Current vacancies

    Current vacancies

    Click here to view our current vacancies.

  • Volunteer agreement

    Volunteer agreement

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

  • Our Trustees

    Our Board of Trustees hold decades worth of high-level experience which they use to govern Coram Beanstalk and direct our strategy.

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Coram Beanstalk is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
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