Read On. Get On. is calling for schools, families, politicians and businesses to make reading a priority
One in five children in Scotland from poorer backgrounds are unable to read well by age 11 according to a charity coalition.
Made up of Save the Children, Scottish Book Trust, Scottish Business in the Community, Scottish Libraries and Information Councils and Volunteer Scotland the coalition has launched a new project urging parents to read with young children for 10 minutes a day.
They say by the time of leaving primary school children should have a wider understanding of the meaning behind stories and information, and be able to talk about and comment on them as well as read them.
The coalition is calling for schools, families, politicians and businesses, to join in making children's reading a priority.
Read On. Get On was launched at Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal shopping centre during a day of free reading events on Saturday, to coincide with Book Week Scotland.
Read On. Get On. is a brilliant initiative to encourage everyone to read more and especially to read more to children
Hundreds of Scottish children who took part in free readings and activities were joined by award-winning writer Jonathan Meres and comedian and TV presenter Iain Stirling as well as the Gruffalo and Winnie the Witch.
Neil Mathers, head of Scotland at Save the Children, said: “It has been fantastic to see all the children at the event get such a thrill from meeting their favourite characters and listening to stories. These activities were designed to encourage enjoyment of reading and inspire children with a love of books.
“From the reaction of the children here it's been a great success and we hope more families will sign up to the Read On. Get On. campaign to find out how they can get involved.”
Jonathan Meres added: “Read On. Get On. is a brilliant initiative to encourage everyone to read more and especially to read more to children. Just 10 minutes a day can make a massive difference. It was fantastic to see children of all ages sat mesmerised at the event in Edinburgh. Because, let's face it, who doesn't like listening to a good story?”
