Bookmark

From Bookmark Reading Charity

Resource type: Reading support

Price band: £

Key stage: KS1, KS2

Region(s): England

Bookmark Reading Charity provides one-to-one reading support programmes for pupils in Years 1 – 5 who are at risk of not meeting the expected standard in reading.

Volunteer-led, Bookmark’s reading programme lasts for a minimum of six weeks, during which a trained volunteer will provide one-to-one support for a child for 30 minutes twice a week. Each session is carefully structured to provide a mixture of reading, book-based conversation, and literacy-based games and activities with the aim of improving the child’s confidence and enjoyment of reading.

The reading sessions take place online on a secure platform, or face-to-face in certain locations around the UK (to find out if a face-to-face option is available in your area, please contact Bookmark directly). For online sessions, schools will need to provide a PC, laptop, Chromebook, iPad or tablet that runs Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge or Safari. Schools will also need to provide a webcam and a headset.

All Bookmark volunteers undergo DBS checks and receive online training that covers:

  • Safeguarding responsibilities.
  • How to engage with children on a one-to-one basis.
  • How to listen and communicate in a positive manner.
  • How to adapt to the abilities and interests of each child.

There is no limit to the number of pupils a school can put forward and there is the option to extend a child’s programme to 12 weeks or more if required. Once registered on the secure Schools Hub, schools set the parameters for their reading programmes, including the start week, and the days and times for the reading sessions. Volunteers can then sign up to the programmes that match their availability.

 Cost: From £12 per child.

About Bookmark Reading Charity: Bookmark Reading Charity was set up in 2018  by Sharon Pindar, who experienced first-hand the impact that poor literacy skills had on her mother. Bookmark is committed to helping children fulfil their true potential by harnessing the power and support of the community and promoting a reading for pleasure culture in primary schools, with a focus on supporting children in the most disadvantaged communities.

Literacy Hive Likes:

  • The basic building block of a six-week reading programme with the option to extend provides schools with the flexibility to deliver quick reading ‘boosts’ as well as longer-term support.
  • Every school is assigned a dedicated School Relationship Manager who will facilitate and provide administrative support throughout the programme.
  • Bookmark offers volunteers the flexibility to volunteer from home at a time that suits them, broadening the range of people who can offer schools their time and providing a more diverse range of role models for participating children.
  • Bookmark offers a range of packages that provide additional resources to support and promote a whole school reading culture. Resources include curated packs of books for the library and access to grants for literacy CPD.
  • Bookmark publishes a free magazine for children called The Story Corner which is distributed to schools, hospitals and pupil referral units across the country. The magazine features stories, writing activities and games and is also available to read online.
  • Over 95% of teachers said Bookmark’s reading programme made a ‘positive’ difference to pupils and increased their reading confidence.

Visit the resource

bookmarkreading.org

Contact Details

Contact this resource provider

020 3995 7960

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