Reading

We want to share with you a range of free reading resources that you can access for your children at home. When you click on the links below it will take you straight to a wonderful selection of readily, available resources.

There are a range of books; audible, e-books, modern and classics for children of all ages and abilities to enjoy.

We have also included a range of websites that can support parents with reading at home.

It is a library right at your fingertips. I hope that you find these resources helpful during this time.

 Reading ResourcesBelow you will find a range of free reading resources for you and your children to enjoy.

	An array of free eBooks being read aloud to children by famous people along with related activities for parents.
	Access to ten free digital books on the OU Reading for Pleasure website.
	Audible is offering free access to children’s audiobooks whilst schools are closed. There is a range, in six different languages, which can be streamed to a phone, tablet, laptop or computer for children (and parents) to listen to.
	International Children's Digital Library has a range of online books in a range of different languages.
	A couple of short stories written by Antony Horowitz.
	Researchify. Classic children’s books in audio, PDF and Word formats.
	Listen to David Walliams reading chapters of his book, The Boy in the Dress, aloud, with new chapters released regularly.
	The Reading Realm has daily activities based on books which they are providing online.
	This includes access to a library of free ebooks; Oxford Owls Free Ebooks.
	Oxford University Press have put together a range of free advice and activities to support with home reading.
	Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler Home Learning Packs. Free activity packs for 3-7 year olds to complete as you read the books.
	The Story Time YouTube channel is growing every day and features teachers and trainee teachers reading books.
	The Book Trust has top tips and lots of information about books, including a Book Finder tool and advice about which book your child might like based on the books he/she has enjoyed so far. There is a new Home Time section with online books, videos, quizzes, illustrator workshops, competitions and activities.
	Oak National Academy and the National Literacy Trust have come together to provide the Virtual School Library to keep children reading during lockdown. Every week, a popular children's author will become their ‘Author of the Week’ and provide a free book or audiobook and exclusive videos and activities aimed at Primary school children.
	Poetry By Heart. A wide selection of poetry covering different topics
	BBC Bitesize has plenty of reading activities, and there's lots of stories to listen to on CBeebies.

Resources for Parents 

	The Words for Life area of the National Literacy Trust (NLT) website has a range of activities and support for parents: Parent Support and “Zone In” activities and tips for young people: Tips for aged 13+. And for lots of free activities and ideas for children aged birth–4, 5-8 and 9-12.
	Multi-lingual Home Learning Support. Support from the NLT for multi-lingual families at home. This link provides information for supporting younger children at home in 12+ community languages. Click here to access Multi-lingual Home Learning Support.   Recommended booklists for parents from the Birmingham Stories Literacy Hub. Click here to access recommended books for children aged five to 13+
	Love My Books has lots of ideas to help children and parents/carers enjoy reading together.
	Covibook, from Birmingham Early Years Network, is an ebook by Manuela Molina, written to inform and offer reassurance to children under the age of seven. The book has been translated into over 20+ different languages.
	The Open University Poster for supporting reading at home. The Open University Reading for Pleasure website has lots of resources and ideas for parents to support reading at home.
	The Education Endowment Foundation provides a poster for parents for supporting reading at home. Click here to access 7 Top Tips to Support Reading at Home.

 Enjoy!