You might not have had the time to research all the online children’s book clubs out there, or it might not be your (book) bag! As I’m in constant amazement at how quickly time speeds past me, I’m all for expert advice, and there are some well curated sites dedicated to promoting literacy to kids.
If you search through this Bus Stop you will find some other features about the UK Charity Bookstart Trust, and a popular post here with recommendations from my youngest daughters Nursery class (Age 2-4) book club, as well as info on the fantastic educational and fun kids magazines you can subscribe too (perfect presents for all).
The Oxford Owl (from the Oxford University Press) is a resource offering 250 free eBooks for you to share with your child as well as simple ideas, top tips, activities and games to help your child with their reading at home. The website offers brilliant fun educational games to engage your kids. Split into age groups they have sections based on reading and maths. This should def be on your ‘favourites’ page.
You’ll also find advice from educational experts on many areas including phonics, motivating boys and how to help a child who is struggling with their reading.
The National Literary Trust, have launched a new website called Words for Life. The site gives you an idea of what communication milestones your baby and child might reach as they grow. There are also ideas for fun activities you can do together to help your children develop their skills.
Scholastic Book Club is a long running service that send leaflets into schools that are packed with great books with savings of up to 70%. Parents buy books which in turn enable your school to get free books. The website has heaps of friendly information, from guides in age groups, author chat, competitions, free activity sheets to print at home and an area where kids can review books online, and see their published work in lights.
Loveread4kids is a site created by parents, and book lovers. They originally set up the site lovereading.co.uk, and offer reviews and tips on a whole range of books for every age.
Waterstones website show you their best sellers, and offer tips on new books. You can order online, and check their events page for the latest action your nearest bookstore. Also, The Reading Agency offer a guide to find local reading groups, they also offer insightful interviews, and an activity pack for children, and have a dedicated section for young readers. If you fancy starting a book club, read this BBC guide written by Sarah Kingsley a member of the BBC Parent Panel.
Other sites you should know about is the Books for Keeps, an independent kids book magazine that reviews hundreds of new kids books and fascinating articles about all aspects of kids literacy, like this one on Classical mythology in children’s books. A solid favourite with schools is First News the weekly newspaper for young kids, and Reading Zone.
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