I am currently spending two mornings a week in our church school, reading with some children who need a bit of extra help. I’m having lots of fun with youngsters who are keen to learn and love to read stories. This Jessica Hagy card from her wonderful website sums up what I’m seeing in practice:
I wish I could spend more time reading with them
I had a chat with a dad recently who was asking about tutors for his young son, who’s in Reception with the Engineer. I was surprised that he thought he needed a tutor. But it was because dad works long hours, and mum (who also works long hours) doesn’t speak English and Granny, who does after-school care, speaks limited English and cannot read or write in any language.
I was impressed with dad’s determination, but so sad that noone who could read simple English was available to spend just ten minutes a day reading with the child. I can’t read with all the children in the parish!
The Vicar's Wife 
But should you read with every child in the parish? I would suggest not bit go onto say that this is an opportunity for an every member ministry (barring and vetting permitting). You may not reach every child but you may reach a few – and thus demonstrate the value of a Church School as well as practical witness.
“No-one” is hyphenated. Noone is 1200 local time wrongly spelt.
Two “r”s in “chirrup”. One “p” in”chirruping”.
Grumpy Grandpa recommends a second eye on all copy.
Hi Almost. I’d love to organise a reading team, but I have to say the CRB issues are a nightmare (see blogposts passim). And our lovely congregation are low in numbers and extremely busy, but we’ll be praying in that direction in the long term…
Hello Grandpa. Presume that your second eye is playing up too. Shall I start sending you my copy?
CRB is a nightmare!
I’m sure you may do this already, but………….How about reading buddies – y6 paired with Y1 for example, reading together for 10mins as part of after school care/breakfast club? the younger children love it, as they think they are playing at schools – the older children love the responsibility….we find it works well.
We encourage little ones to tell granny the story, using the pictures, as this helps granny learn english…………and improves their “reading” vocabulary/experience, as opposed to reading word by word accurately, which they can do with you/teachers in school.
happy reading!
Hi mags and welcome to the Vicarage.
I love your suggestions. I have a real passion about reading, so I hope that I’ll be able to get some of those ideas considered. I keep on thinking I should start a Vicarage reading club or something similar, but not just yet!