What is Reading for All?

Reading for All is a collection of library resources designed to support learners of all ages on their reading journey.

Most adults who struggle with reading do so because of the instruction they failed to receive as children, but the good news is it's never too late to become a successful reader.

How can Reading for All support adults?

St Helens Library service aims to provide a range of support and resources to help adults improve and gain confidence in their reading skills.

We are pleased to be able to offer:

• A flexible approach
• Suitable for a range of abilities
• Reading material that interests adults
• Different book styles
• Reading Ahead challenge for adults (please ask library staff for a booklet)

Reading for All Collection

As part of our Reading for All campaign we offer a selection of different books which are specifically aimed at adults who are either looking to improve their literacy skills or learning to read English as a foreign language.

These include:

• Pearson English Readers: These titles cater for beginner English learners taking their first steps into reading English, up to more advanced learners looking to expand their vocabulary and improve their reading fluency.
• Cambridge English Readers: An exciting series of original fiction, specially written for learners of English. The stories in this series provide easy and enjoyable reading on a wide range of contemporary topics and themes and are graded into seven levels from beginner to advanced.
• Penguin Readers: A series of popular classic titles, exciting contemporary fiction and thought-provoking non-fiction written for learners of English as a foreign language.

How can Reading for All support children?

Sharing a book with a child is fun! It is a time for closeness, laughing and talking together and it can also give children a flying start in life and help them become school ready.

Try some of our handy tips:

• Read aloud to them
• Choose books that will keep your child’s interest
• Find a comfortable place to sit and read together
• Encourage your child to repeat rhyming words (e.g. room on the broom, shark in the park)
• Encourage your child to repeat alliteration (e.g. slowly, slowly said the sloth, sizzling sausages).
• Change your voice for different characters and encourage your child to do the same (e.g. deep voice for daddy bear, squeaky voice for baby bear)
• Encourage your child to talk about the story (e.g. try asking some of our BLUSH questions)

Most importantly, have fun and keep reading!

What is phonics?

Phonics is the basis of reading and writing. It is a teaching method which works by breaking words down into sounds. Learning the sounds of letters and how those letters sound when they are combined helps individuals to learn to read.

We have resources available to help you learn more about phonics and how to practice reading with your children.