Real heroes read books
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Get reading, join in online and help unlock your little one's superpower!
Reading can take you and your children anywhere. It can make a difference to their lives and help their imaginations to thrive. That’s why we like to think of it as a ‘Super Power’.
But we know that it’s not easy.
It can be difficult to find the time to read together, there are so many other distractions in our modern world. Getting your little one interested in a good book can also be a challenge.
That’s why we’re on hand.
We have a range of tips, tricks and activities that can help your little one to fall in love with reading and show them that Real Heroes Read Books.
We have some exciting bedtime stories, read by council staff, teachers and local authors available via the videos on our Facebook page.
The bedtime stories feature some well-known tales as well as giving a platform for Cornish writers to share their work. We are thankful to the publishers and authors for their support.
Follow us on Facebook and why not become superhero and join your local library.
Why are we doing this?
To improve literacy in Cornwall, we created Real Heroes Read Books two years ago. It is designed to help children who were falling behind with the skills needed to start school.
Since 2013, the percentage of children in the UK reaching a good level of development by the end of their reception year has increased from 51.7% to 71.5%. But, more than one in four children still finish reception without key communication skills.
The idea behind Real Heroes Read Books is to inspire children by showing reading as a superpower. We want to encourage parents and carers to talk and read with their children as often as possible.
Useful Resources
We have put together a list of useful online resources designed to help you. There are a host of ideas and activities for keeping younger children occupied and entertained at home.
We will be adding to this list over the coming weeks, so please make sure that you check back regularly for updated content.
For early years
Hungry Little Minds
This website has lots of simple and fun activities designed to get children talking. They've created a range of ideas for kids from newborn to five.
Check out our page full of free resources and ways to help babies and children to learn to talk.
Early Words Together This is run by the National Literacy Trust and helps parents to support their young child's literacy and language development. Their website has a range of free, downloadable resources.
Play Scotland This promotes play services available in Scotland. The website does however have a whole host of information on lots of fun play and learning ideas that can be explored at home.
The Imagination TreeThis blog is run by primary school teacher, Anna, who has specialisms in early years education and art. She’s produced a stay at home survival guide, with a host of crafty and educational ideas for parents with young children.
ABC Does Run by an international community of early years practitioners who share ideas on activities to do at home with early years children. The collection of ideas is designed to help parents and carers. This can include finding fun things to do if they find themselves unexpectedly at home with younger children.
This guide is run by the National Literacy Trust. It can help parents and carers with activities which are designed to improve reading and language skills for those aged 0-5 years.
For Key Stage 1
Bitesize have a host of free, learning resources and activities for children in KS1 and 2. The content and ideas cover a range of different subjects, including Art & Design to Science, Music to Modern Foreign Languages.
The National Literacy Trust's is dedicated to children aged 5-8. Content includes audiobooks, reading guides and reading charts.
Cosmic Kids Yoga This YouTube channel offers mindfulness, yoga and relaxation. The videos are designed specifically for kids aged 3 years and above.
Times Table RockstarsOffers daily timestable practice.
For Key Stage 2
BBC BitesizeBBC Bitesize have a host of free, learning resources and activities for children in KS1 and 2. Their content and ideas cover a range of different subjects, from Art & Design to Science, Music to Modern Foreign Languages.
Family ZoneThe National Literacy Trust's Family Zone has content dedicated to children aged 9-12, including poetry workshops, online writing masterclasses and audiobooks.
BBC SoundsBBC Sounds has a huge range of audio content suitable for kids of all ages and interests, available to listen for free.
View our Real Heroes Read Books videos
These bedtime stories showcase some classic, new and Cornish stories read by their authors and some of our employees.