Storybook and play sessions that have worked to transform children’s relationship with books in South Reading need public support to continue over the coming months.
The free weekly sessions, for families with children aged 0-4 in the Whitley Wood and Hexham Road areas of Reading, have been run by researchers from the Institute of Education at the University of Reading since November 2023 and have helped hundreds of local children discover the joy of reading.
As children across the country celebrate the National Year of Reading, the team behind the sessions is launching a crowdfunding appeal to support the sessions over the summer, while longer-term funding proposals are considered.
Each session involves a short children’s storybook being read twice, once at the start and once at the end, giving both parents and children the chance to become familiar with it before taking a free copy home.
Research has shown that families who take books home are more likely to read together again, helping both child and parent grow in confidence and enthusiasm.
The team previously ran a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2024 which allowed the Whitley Wood group to continue for an extra year.
Now they are seeking further support to continue their work.
Professor Holly Joseph, who co-founded the scheme working closely with local parents and community researchers, said: “The difference these sessions have made to families in the community has been remarkable, and we are so grateful to everyone who has supported them.
“We would love to keep that momentum going through the summer.
“Early exposure to books helps children’s language skills when they start school, which in turn relates to later academic outcomes.
“The sessions are also great for school readiness, getting children used to sitting down to listen to stories, enjoying snack time, and feeling confident playing independently and with their peers.
“Parents have told us about the huge differences they have seen in their children since coming to the sessions, from more reading at home to less time scrolling on their phones and even better mental health.
“We know that children’s reading habits are influenced by their families, so it is crucial to involve the whole family.”
Full details, including how to support the project, are available via: research.reading.ac.uk/ready2read/get-involved
