Brecon and Ystradgynlais are the latest libraries to join forces with the Reading Agency and set up their own Chatterbooks reading groups for ages 8-10 year olds in their local areas.
The reading group allows children to ‘develop their love and enjoyment of reading’, building on this as an effective way of encouraging children to take up reading. This premise and the belief that ‘reading for pleasure is more important to children’s successes than education or social class’ is the driving force behind this programme. Chatterbooks help children build a lifelong reading habit. Because everything changes when we read.
The Reading Agency – a registered charity which promotes reading across the United Kingdom, has been coordinating Chatterbooks, the UK’s largest network of children’s reading groups, since 2001.
10,000 children belong to Chatterbooks groups, which are run in libraries and schools to encourage reading enjoyment. The groups are run by librarians, teachers, teaching assistants, or volunteers – anyone with a passion for reading. Chatterbooks is a flexible model that can be used with children from 4 up to 12, for all different abilities and in targeted or mixed groups. Brecon and Ystradgynlais have chosen to target the year groups 4 /5 at Primary school (age 8-10 yrs) so that they have a good ‘run up’ to their High school transition.
At each Chatterbooks session children talk about what they are reading, take part in fun activities inspired by the best children’s books, and choose new books to take home and read. Because Chatterbooks is supported by publishers and many children’s authors and illustrators, clubs get access to publisher offers and competitions, with opportunities to find out how authors are inspired to create their work.
It is hoped that in time that this programme will be expanded to other libraries county wide.
If you want your child to take part, contact Ysradgynlais Library on 01639 845353 or Brecon Library 01874 623346.
