Are you planning to take part in The Reading Agency's Story Garden themed Summer Reading Challenge, and want to engage with stories in more ways than reading books?
The National Literacy Trust in Swindon brings you a fun resource, designed for families who have children with special education needs, highlighting all of the ways you can get involved in the challenge and enjoy stories this summer.
With an equal focus on sensory play, speaking, listening, signed story time and reading, the activities encourage children and parents or carers to explore their own interests and get reading together as a family.
The resource, which counts towards your Summer Reading Challenge, is a great way for children to learn through their hands and touch, and get used to hearing their parents' voice on their journey to communicating and expressing themselves.
The Summer Reading Challenge
The Summer Reading Challenge is a national scheme run by The Reading Agency which aims to empower children to establish a new habit of reading for pleasure or keep up an existing love of reading during the summer holidays, ensuring they're ready for a great start to the new school term in autumn.
What is the theme?
This year's theme is 'Story Garden – Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors'. This exciting new theme will inspire children to tap into a world of imagination through reading, exploring the magical connection between storytelling and nature.
What do I need to do?
Children who sign up to the reading challenge are encouraged to:
- read six or more library books of their choice,
- collect stickers to track their progress
Participating children will receive a certificate and medal when they complete the challenge.
Get involved
We'd love to see you getting involved, so please email any pictures of you taking part to anish.harrison@literacytrust.org.uk or tag us in your posts on Facebook - @SwindonLiteracyTrust and we may share them on our Facebook page.
This fantastic, free resource was created in partnership with Swindon SEND Family Voice and Swindon Libraries.
The ideas are designed to inspire you to think differently about reading. Use them this summer and beyond!