Latest stories News Coram Beanstalk reading helpers gather for 'Choose Reading' conference Coram Beanstalk's annual reading helper conference was an opportunity for volunteers across the country to join together to explore how life changes when you choose reading. Inspirational speakers Simon Smith, Head of East Whitby Academy and storyteller Chip Colquohoun held the gathered audiences in London, Leeds, Liverpool and online in complete thrall as they spoke about how to get children to like books and how to use storytelling to grow a reading for pleasure mindset. The conference was opened by Coram Beanstalk trainer and reading helper, Sara Browne sharing 'The Bridges' by Tom Percival - a story of how books and reading can open up the world and help children make connections that last a lifetime. Simon asserted that no child is a non-reader and that it's all about finding the right book. He shared stories of children who had found the joy of reading in Ceefax reports of football matches and the importance of offering children a variety of different reading material. He also shared 'Call me lion' by Camilla Chester and 'Read the book, Lemmings' by Anne Dyckman much to the delight of the audience. Chip started by telling everyone a story and spoke of how reading for pleasure can't be taught. His impromptu test on the story he'd told was the perfect demonstration of how our brains open up and engage with stories when we start listening and his best piece of advice was to make sure that when reading with children it becomes more of a conversation than a performance. Reading helpers across the country thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and the chance to meet other reading helpers and staff at the three in-person locations. I thought the event was fantastic with great speakers, lovely food, great books & materials and a real joy to speak to other volunteers & the Coram staff. I enjoyed Simon & Clip best for sharing all their knowledge in such a exciting way! The two guest speakers were inspiring. Their message reinforced why I am a beanstalk volunteer. It was ideal timing to help me to prepare for the start of the year and meeting my new pupils and it was lovely to meet other volunteers and Coram Beanstalk's staff. Amy Lewis, Head of Coram Beanstalk, who opened and closed the event said: As schools start to go back in early September, our annual reading helper conference is the perfect opportunity for our volunteers across the country to meet in-person, or join online, to hear from some inspirational speakers, share ideas and learn more about the year ahead. By live-streaming the event we are able to include all of our volunteers and this year's addition of local hubs where reading helpers could gather to watch together with Beanstalk staff, were well-received. It's such an energising start to the new school year and next year we hope to have even more local hubs to allow even more reading helpers to experience the sense of community and purpose that they offer. The conference was drawn to a close with the first premiere of our new campaign film, created for us in association with Media Trust with a grant from The Mercer's Company. Find out more about how life changes when you choose reading Manage Cookie Preferences