We are the champions – young readers celebrated for spreading literacy skills

YOUNG readers have been celebrated for the novel ways that they’re spreading a love of literacy across Tameside.

Tameside Council’s Library Service held a Reading Champions Celebration event at Dukinfield Town Hall on 11 July.

The event saw around 100 pupils from local primary schools come together to celebrate reading for pleasure.

Forty schools in the borough take part in the online Reading Champions sessions where they are encouraged to boost reading in their school through a variety of methods. Some pupils created amazing book displays and inspiring posters, others explored different genres, and all encouraged reluctant readers by making reading infectious.

Craig Bradley, otherwise known as ‘That Poetry Bloke’, entertained everyone at the celebration event and encouraged lots of audience participation. All pupils received a certificate for their achievements and a special badge during an award ceremony and two schools went home with goody bags full of books from a lucky prize dip.

Councillor Bill Fairfoull, Tameside Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Children and Families, said: “Our Reading Champions are doing a brilliant job in spreading a love of reading across Tameside and I’m delighted that we were able to celebrate their success at this entertaining event. I’d like to thank them and everyone involved in this fantastic scheme.

“Research shows that reading from a young age has a lasting effect on language, vocabulary and literacy skills and is hugely beneficial to children’s development and later academic achievements. Through encouraging and influencing others, our Reading Champions are therefore making a big difference to their peers’ lives and benefitting Tameside.”

To find out more about the range of resources, events and guidance available through Tameside Loves Reading, visit: www.tameside.gov.uk/tamesidelovesreading.