ABC to read

October is Black History month and it is important to ABC to read that every child has the opportunity to learn and see books that reflect themselves. We are always growing our resources to include books that do just that. Today we’d like to celebrate some of the KS1 books that celebrate Black History month.

It’s National Poetry Day and this year’s theme is Wonder! ABC to read adore poetry and are lucky enough to have an amazing poet as one of our patrons. Here’s one of our favourites Harrold poems The Perils of Breakfast

The Perils of Breakfast, by A.F. Harrold The Perils of Breakfast, written and read by A.F. Harrold. http://w...

Our volunteers give their time, enthusiasm and care to help children develop a love of reading, and it means a great deal to know they feel part of the school community.

Looking for an alternative to greeting cards? You can support our charity with the cost of cards and send e-cards instead with DontSendMeACard.com

https://www.dontsendmeacard.com/ecards/charities/abc-to-read-assisting-berkshire-children

Send e-cards with a donation of the cost of cards and stamps Much easier than sending cards. People will see that you donated. Paperless green solution.

Today, BBC 500 Words opens for children aged 5–11, inviting them to write a story of 500 words or fewer.

For a child who struggles with reading and writing, putting words on a page can feel daunting. They may worry about getting things wrong or simply believe that they are “not good at English”.

But 500 Words starts somewhere different: with imagination.

Spelling, punctuation and grammar are not what matters. Children are encouraged to share their ideas, their creativity and their voice.

At ABC to read, we know that literacy is about much more than learning to decode words. It is about confidence, curiosity and having the opportunity to discover the joy that words can bring.

Imagine a child who has always found reading difficult, suddenly realising that they have a story worth telling.

Every child deserves that opportunity.

Good luck to every young writer taking part in 500 Words.

500 Words BBC's 500 Words, the UK's largest children's writing competition for children aged 5-11.

We know that finding the right book can make a real difference to a child who is struggling to read — and books can support wellbeing as well as literacy.

Reading Well provides trusted book recommendations for children, young people and adults, with titles chosen by health experts and people with lived experience.

A valuable resource for families, schools and communities.

Reading Well - The Reading Agency What is Reading Well? Reading Well supports you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing using helpful reading. Reading...

We’re delighted to be featured in , highlighting the difference ABC to read volunteers are making to children across Berkshire.

Our 2026 School Impact Survey found that 100% of the children supported improved their reading age or level, reading accuracy and confidence – with every child also developing a more positive attitude towards reading.

We’re now looking for more volunteers across Berkshire. With around two hours a week, you could help a child discover that reading really can be for them.

Thank you to Round & About Magazine for helping us share our story and highlight the need for more reading volunteers.

Read the article here:
https://roundandabout.co.uk/autumn-education-guide-2026/Round & About: Help a child discover the joy of reading

Round Table Santa Claus is back • Round and About • Round & About Magazine Catch Santa around Twyford and the surrounding area from December 1st to 17th

🌟 Let’s celebrate the wonder of words!

National Poetry Day is almost here, and this year’s theme is “wonder” – a perfect opportunity for children to discover the joy, imagination and curiosity that poetry can inspire.

For children who find reading difficult, words can sometimes feel like a barrier. But poetry can offer a different way in: a chance to play with language, listen, imagine and find their own voice.

We’re delighted that our members and schools in the ABC to read community can join a live National Poetry Day assembly featuring Michael Rosen, the Hot Poets and two Young Poet Laureates. https://forwardartsfoundation.org/wonder-is-a-live-national-poetry-day-assembly/
📚✨ Let’s encourage every child to wonder, explore and discover what words can do.

Wonder is… a live National Poetry Day assembly with Michael Rosen & Hot Poets - Forward Arts Foundation Your school is invited to a joyful, wonder-packed live assembly bringing primary and secondary schools across the UK together to...

Today Fieldworker, Claire will be holding a Virtual Drop In for all volunteers. If you have a question or would like some advice please see our newsletter for the link!

An interesting article in The Times highlights an issue that matters to every child: finding the time to read together.

The article reports that 51% of parents now read with their children every day. That is encouraging — but it also highlights how work and family pressures can make finding time for reading difficult.

For a child who is struggling to read, having an adult sit beside them, listen, encourage them and share a story can make a real difference.

It does not need to be an hour. It does not need to be a perfect bedtime routine. A few minutes of reading together can help a child build confidence and develop a positive relationship with books.

At ABC to read, we believe every child should have the opportunity to discover the enjoyment and possibilities that reading can bring.

Parents on more than £100k are least likely to read to their children The good news is that most of us are reading with them every day again – 51 per cent — but it seems to depend on your job