Coram Beanstalk works tirelessly with teachers, parents and carers to stop our children falling behind. The charity’s volunteers provide one-to-one reading support in weekly 30-minute sessions with children most in need. For 50 years Coram Beanstalk has supported over 250,000 children to build their reading ability and confidence.
Because I experienced first-hand the benefits of reading as a child — and still do as an avid reader — I’m passionate about encouraging children to read. In today’s world, it’s easy to bypass real books with all the distractions of technology. Now more than ever, children need the right environment, support and encouragement to discover the joys of reading. We can’t afford to miss out on such a vital anchor in their development!
Reading changed my life as a child. There were certain books I could escape into, taking me away from my daily struggles to somewhere bigger, more exciting, or simply different. I’ve always been amazed by how something as accessible as a book can have such power. This is why it’s so important to me that Tidy Books and my original children’s bookcases bring the gift of reading into homes, schools, and communities—and why I became a volunteer reading mentor for Coram Beanstalk.
‘Approximately 1 in 4 children leave primary school unable to read at the expected level’ (Coram Beanstalk)
For the past 10 months, I’ve had the privilege of reading with incredible ten-year-olds. Their lives are not always easy with high levels of stress and anxiety — they may be in care, living in poverty, facing trauma. Their world is very different from what many of us experience.
In our sessions, I aim to provide a calm, safe and happy space where they can escape into a different world, be themselves, and be nurtured in a positive environment. This isn’t about academics; it’s about giving them time and space to be seen and heard for who they truly are. Choosing a book, reading and talking about it is such a valuable way to explore emotions and ideas. And we have so much fun during the sessions! Read my approach in 5 tips !
Beanstalk provides a diverse range of books, and the children especially love the poetry collections. These poems offer them an opportunity to express how they feel. After reading, they share their thoughts about the poems, some of which touch on emotions, and it gives them the chance to open up in a way that feels safe and natural. Some of the poems are uplifting and comical and give us a chance to connect through laughter and silliness.
‘When children have fallen behind in reading by the age of 11, the impact can last for the rest of their lives. Their wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem are impacted, educational opportunities are severely diminished and job prospects negatively affected’ Coram Beanstalk)
The training I received from Coram Beanstalk was invaluable. I see my role as helping these children realise how special they are — a message I hope they carry with them always.
When I first met one of the children, they didn’t really look at you . The weight of their life had pushed them inward. But now, they engage, open up and love exploring the different worlds books can offer — learning about colors, jobs, communities and more.
The children I work with are incredibly bright. I’m not here to ‘teach’ them; rather, we’re always learning together. We’re discovering new worlds side by side. They continually amaze me, each in their own unique way. You can read about my approach here
This part of my week has become incredibly precious to me. It’s a privilege to spend time with these creative, curious minds and through books we share an understanding and connection.
Reading was a lifeline for me during my young years. It expanded my world and showed me what was possible, inspiring me to imagine a future I never thought I could have.
Now, I want to pass that gift on to these children. The gift of reading is one that keeps giving, lasting a lifetime. It opens up a world to all possibilities – and that’s something truly powerful.
Tidy Books proudly partners with Coram Beanstalk, a charity dedicated to helping children discover the magic of reading. With every purchase from the Tidy Books website, a percentage goes directly to support their vital work.
To become a Coram Beanstalk reading volunteer apply here.
Create your own reading oasis – making a cosy reading corner with a Tidy books bookcase Click here to see our range of products.
