Listen: Children’s reading regression

Boris Johnson announced yesterday that children could be some of the first to get their lives back to normal and return to school. But with all the school they’ve had to do online, are they ready for this? 

For some people reading and writing can be a great therapeutic tool, and something to connect people and help them express themselves. But being able to access this is crucial to actually having the fundamental skills that are needed to be able to read and write, skills that are cultivated in primary school. Reports from OFSTED have shown that children’s reading and writing skills have regressed over lockdown, to the point where they’re now at the lowest levels on record. 

This is where James Tavendale comes in. James was described by the CEO of Barnes & Noble as “creating some of the most extraordinary work I’ve seen in the last few years”. He’s a publishing industry expert with over 24 years experience in finding creative ways to enjoy reading. His current role is with Pickatale, a provider that offer fun ways to encourage children to engage with reading and writing, so they enjoy it. Examples include audiobooks and digital media to children to help improve their attention span and daily reading levels.

Outside of his work in finding creative ways to help kids cultivate their reading and writing skills, James founded Richmond Park FC, a youth football club run by volunteers to give children a chance to get involved in sport for free. He also speaks fluent Norwegian, and understands all Scandinavian languages!

Ros spoke to James Tavendale:

Image by Bantersnaps on Unsplash