Three ways to help a child get the most out of reading aloud

There’s a saying that goes, “Children are made readers on the laps of their parents”. Whether a parent, reading helper or teacher, reading aloud with a child is one of the best ways to develop a love of reading in young children.

#100WordsWall: Mandela Day & Overcoming Challenges

Being 100 years since the birth of Nelson Mandela, this Mandela Day is an exceptionally special one. As part of the celebrations, we invited our Reading Helpers and learners to reflect on their progress and write down words that signify what they’ve learnt during the reading sessions.

6 Ways to Reduce The Reading Slide During The Holidays

School holidays are around the corner. We’ve seen many learners make great progress in their reading over the past school term, but we know all too well that if children put down their books over the holidays, their reading ability can drop.

Readers are Leaders – Nelson Mandela & the power of reading in shaping future leaders

“Readers are leaders”. It’s a saying that’s often used to inspire children to read and rightly so. Books play a powerful role in developing the young minds of future leaders and it’s not hard to see why when you begin to unpack the many benefits of reading.

Mid-Year Highlights

From launching programmes at new schools to partnering with universities to train future teachers, 2018 has been a fun-filled, action-packed year so far. We have seen a lot of exciting growth in various areas, and are thrilled to see so many new wonderful volunteers and Literacy Tutors join our programmes, each one making a lasting impact on the lives of children in South Africa. 

Building literacy, one LEGO block at a time

LEGO is a powerful tool for playful learning, especially when it comes to learning to read. We recently partnered with Care For Education to incorporate LEGO Duplo into our Book Boxes at schools and external partners. 

Celebrating our dedicated volunteers

help2read is very privileged to have some of the best volunteers in the country. They are dedicated, passionate and completely committed to their learners. They do an outstanding job of helping learners improve reading skills and cultivate a love of books. They consistently give off their time with such love and passion, expecting nothing in return.

Sharing our love of libraries and storytelling during SA Library Week

This year we celebrated South African Library Week and World Storytelling Day across the Western Cape and Gauteng with a number of exciting activities to motivate learners to visit their local library and get reading.

Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Sonia Sauls of Bridgeville Primary

My journey with help2read started in 2010 after I retired as an accountant. After returning from an overseas holiday, I came back refreshed and saw an advertisement in our local community newspaper, The Athlone News, in which help2read advertised for volunteers to assist children to read at local schools.

Setting our kids up for success in a 21st century world

Every week, our Volunteer Reading Helpers and Literacy Tutors sit down with learners in schools across the country for one-on-one reading sessions. The aim of these sessions: to help children learn to read. While the purpose of the weekly reading support might be simple, the ripple effect is hugely significant.