General Chat

I've volunteered through work with about 14 others to go into schools for an hour a week to sit with 7-11 year olds while they're reading. We've been told we'll all have 3 to 4 children for 10 minutes each. The results they've had so far are encouraging and I'm really looking forward to it although a little nervous but 10 minutes doesn't sound a lot to me. What do you think? Debby

Debby do they mean ten mins. for each child or for all 4 of them Howardxx

Howard 10 minutes for each child. Debby

Debbie, for the last 3 years I have been helping in a school with reception class, every Monday afternoon. I colour-in, cut out, photocopy. laminate, and make books. Great fun, I enjoy every minute and the teachers are so grateful for saving them a couple of hours a week. Enjoy it, it is fun, and aslo very useful Anne

youll love it debby, i enjoyed working with this age group, and they love seeing other people other than teacher

Hi Wendy Yes that's exactly what they said - it just doesn't seem a lot to me. There's also number games which teaches them maths without them even knowing it but I'll see how I get on with the reading first. They've said it also boosts their confidence which can't be a bad thing. Debby

Anne/Julie Anne I am excited - I just hope we get some results - it will be so rewarding! They say 10 minutes is enough for some children and as Wendy has said a lot of children don't read at home. Debby

Debby I hope you enjoy it I did love reading to my grand daughter when she was small not quite the same, it is a shame the parents don't make time though good luck Howardxx

Howard I LOVE reading to my grand-daughter on the rare occasions I see her. She's just learning to read but has always loved books and will sit for up to an hour happily listening. How do children learn anything else if they can't read and why isn't it taught in the cirriculum - am I missing something? Debby

Thanks Elaine - you've put my mind at rest - that's just how I'm hoping to feel - have to wait while January now for it all to be set up. Debby

11's might cope with 10 mins , bet you 7 year old dont. set a timer and realise how long 10 mins is...its ages!

Hi Debby, I worked as a PT classroom assistant for a couple of years, working soley with children from p5, 6 and 7 with reading difficulties. The programme was called Toe By Toe, which took them right back to the basics. It was 10 minutes spent with each child individually and you'd be amazed the difference it made. Just to see a child get to the end of the programme, ok, maybe not all of them got to be great readers, but just seeing their confidence grow, was well worth it! I'm sure you'll find it very rewarding. Christine