Berkshire charity ABC to Read has announced outstanding results in its recent annual report.
The feedback demonstrates tangible improvement, not just in children’s reading but also in their written and verbal communication, self-confidence, general comprehension and overall ability to concentrate.
A substantial 95% of Berkshire children who benefited from a one-to-one ABC to Read mentor improved their reading comprehension, with 98% increasing self-confidence and self-esteem.
The report also highlighted that 96% of those surveyed showed improvement in their communication with adults, 94% demonstrated an improvement in their ability to concentrate and of the 98% who increased their overall reading age, 39% increased their reading age by more than 12 months.
ABC to Read works with primary school children who have been identified by their schools as struggling most with their reading.
The charity’s model of assigning a volunteer to work with children on a one-to-one basis achieves excellent results and leaves teachers and children alike thrilled with their progress.
Marcia Rowlinson, chief executive officer of ABC to Read, said: “Reading is a key to unlocking so much more in our local youngsters. The benefits of investing in a child’s love of reading extend well beyond literacy itself.
“We see confidence and communication rise as well as the child’s ability to engage with adults and their capacity to concentrate. As always, we are truly thankful for all of our wonderful volunteers and children who have worked so hard.”
There are still spaces available for new volunteers to take part in training, and for schools to sign up to the scheme.
For more information about training days or joining the scheme as a school or volunteer mentor, contact [email protected].
