In response to school closures in Hastings and across the UK, the National Literacy Trust has launched a free comprehensive online zone for parents seeking ideas and guidance for activities that will engage their children at home, whilst also benefiting their reading, writing and language development.
The charity, which runs the National Literacy Trust Hub in Hastings to raise awareness of the importance of literacy and encouraging reading for pleasure, has created Family Zone [literacyfamilyzone.org.uk] – a one-stop shop for families which brings together some of the UK’s most exciting literacy resources and activities in one place.
Drawing on the charity’s expertise and incredible partnerships with teachers, authors, publishers, educational organisations and corporates, local families can access engaging reading and writing activities, book lists, videos, audiobooks, competitions and reading challenges, curated for early years to early teens.
New activities and resources will be added regularly, as the charity develops innovate partnerships and features over the coming weeks and months.
Resources and activities for families to enjoy together at home include:
- Simple and fun Small Talk videos to help parents chat, play and read with their young child
- Top tips for enjoying audiobooks as a family
- A guide to building a reading den at home
- A Reading Miles Global Challenge to encourage children to read around the world
- Activity sheets based on popular children’s books, including Where’s Wally?, as well as playful learning activities featuring much-loved CBeebies characters
- Exciting author videos, including live stories with author Steve Antony, draw-along sessions with illustrator Rob Biddulph and poetry workshops with Sarah Crossan
Graeme Quinnell, Manager of the National Literacy Trust Hub in Hastings, said: “We want to ensure that every parent and carer in Hastings has access to fun and exciting activities for their family during this challenging time. These activities will engage their children in fun projects at home, whilst also supporting their literacy development which is so important. From live story time with incredible children’s authors to building your very own reading den at home – our Family Zone has something for everyone.”
Over the coming weeks and months, the charity will be developing and publishing new and innovative content on Family Zone that will keep families engaged and motivated to learn and share stories together.
Visit literacyfamilyzone.org.uk
