Reading Together Programme
Connecting Queen's students with Looked After Children
Reading Together is a programme that supports the development of literacy skills for looked-after children aged 9-11 years, by providing one-on-one reading support by a Queen’s student mentor on a weekly basis. The aim of the programme is to foster a love and interest in reading and raise attainment levels in general literacy. Reading Together provides a bonding opportunity with a University student who acts as a positive role model for higher education, exposing the children to the wider possibilities of future goals. Providing support and encouraging engagement in other activities designed to aid reading, imagination and literacy skills can open up a whole new world for children to enjoy.
“The simplest way to make sure that we raise literate children is to teach them to read, and to show them that reading is a pleasurable activity” – Neil Gaiman
Working in Partnership
A vital aspect of the programme is the use of multi-disciplinary team members. The Widening Participation Unit works in partnership with the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and Foster Care Associates with support from the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work at Queen’s to design and deliver all aspects of the programme. Together, Reading Together delivers one-to-one reading to support looked after children by current Queen's University Belfast students.
Every individual and institution involved in the programme has demonstrated that commitment and partnership working is beneficial for outcomes. Importantly, it provides a very strong message for children who are looked after, that there is a network of people who genuinely care, who are looking out for them, and who are working together to help improve their educational outcomes and futures.
For more information about Reading Together, contact rt@qub.ac.uk or phone 028 9097 5020.
"I love reading now... Love it... I want to see what happens at the end of the story"
- Reading Together Mentee
Get in touch
Contact WPU