Our Middlesbrough Reads campaign created a set of reading logs to inspire children of all ages to read for pleasure.
Based on the Best Reads book list, voted for by local schools, the reading logs are available in four age categories:
- Age 6 and under
- Age 7 - 10
- Age 10 & 11
- Young adults
Each reading log includes 26 titles and acts as a guideline to ensure that children are reading age appropriate materials.
Our research shows that children who are reading at their expected level or above are three times more likely to have higher mental wellbeing than their peers with lower than expected reading skills (40.3% vs 13.1%).
The reading logs have been developed in partnership with the Middlesbrough Promise and will be distributed to primary schools across the town. They can also be downloaded from the links below.
Middlesbrough Reads has been working for more than five years to improve the literacy skills of local children and families. The campaign is amplified by Middlesbrough Council’s Middlesbrough Promise, a partnership of education, health, literacy and community professionals, which aims to improve the life chances of young people in Middlesbrough through reading.
Allison Potter, manager of Middlesbrough Reads, said:
“We’re delighted to launch these exciting reading logs in schools across Middlesbrough and inspire children to fall in love with books. We know that children who enjoy reading are more likely to lead happier lives.“We encourage children to read as many books as they can and submit as many book reviews as possible to increase their chances of winning a fantastic prize!”
The response to the reading logs so far has been really positive. Teachers said:
"Thank you for the reading logs – they are fantastic – really high quality too!"
"What a brilliant resource!"
"Thanks – they’re great! And they’ve given staff some more ideas for whole class books as well!"
"I’ve got to say the reading logs are fab!"