Find out what Mumsnet users thought about the Egmont Reading Club

[JustineBMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the Mumsnet users who have taken part in the Egmont Reading Club with their child (or children!).

Participants were sent books they had selected with their child weekly and asked to read to their child each day over the course of 6 weeks, as well as completing diary entries on their progress.

Participants, please let us know what your thoughts were on reading to your child over the six week period, considering the following, as well as sharing any other comments you have:

• How your child responded to you spending time reading to them, and if this changed as the weeks progressed?
• Any changes you noticed as a result of, or anything that surprised you about reading to your child?
• Any impact you felt reading to your child had on their (and your) wellbeing?
• Whether you intend to continue reading to your child now that the project has finished?
• Some of you will also have received a magazine, if your child was in the relevant age group. If so, how did your child respond to the magazine and what are your thoughts?
• Whether you intend to replicate the new book part of the project by allowing your child to choose a new book regularly?

Thanks,
MNHQ

Insight Terms and Conditions apply

[Malmontar]

How your child responded to you spending time reading to them, and if this changed as the weeks progressed?
She was actually more keen to read on her own as time went on. She's older though and not a confident reader at all.

• Any changes you noticed as a result of, or anything that surprised you about reading to your child?

I was quite surprised at how low her comprehension was so we have been working on that since.

• Any impact you felt reading to your child had on their (and your) wellbeing? For us having a child that hates reading this was a struggle in the first 3 weeks or so. Only after we ordered some graphic novels did this change and it became relaxing.
• Whether you intend to continue reading to your child now that the project has finished?

Yes, not necessarily because she wants to though. I can see how much it has helped her and so we will carry on because of that. We still have a long way to go to enjoy books.

• Some of you will also have received a magazine, if your child was in the relevant age group. If so, how did your child respond to the magazine and what are your thoughts?

We didnt receive any magazines.

• Whether you intend to replicate the new book part of the project by allowing your child to choose a new book regularly?

Yes, we will be repeating this by getting a new book once the current is finished.

[munchbunch12]

Firstly, thanks for selecting us (me, dc1 aged 12 and dc2 aged 5) to be part of the test. We really enjoyed receiving and reading the books.

1. Both children enjoyed having me read to them, even dc1 who I thought might think they were too old to have me reading to them. This continued through out the project.

1. Both their vocabularies improved, and dc2 regularly uses 'peculiar' now (from Enid Blyton). Dc1 was quite a reluctant reader, but is now choosing to re read the books they received as they enjoyed them so much.

1. It helped all our well being. It was like a bit if calm in chaotic days.

1. I will continue to read to dc2 each day, and dc1 if they want me to.

1. Dc2 got 5 magazines, dc1 got 1. Dc1 wasn't that bothered as they don't okay the game it was based on. Dc2 loved their magazines and doing all the activities in them.

1. I have more confidence allowing them to choose their own books now. We will be going to the library when it reopens and I will also be buying them a couple of books each from the series they enjoyed in the trial to read over the summer.

[MrsAlwaysRight]

• How your child responded to you spending time reading to them, and if this changed as the weeks progressed?

Both my children really enjoyed having one on one time with me each evening. I think coinciding with the lockdown made the time together doing something we all enjoy even more special.

I would say that towards the end of the six weeks my eldest (12 years old) probably would have preferred to only read together a few times a week.

• Any changes you noticed as a result of, or anything that surprised you about reading to your child?

I really enjoyed discussing the books and characters with both my girls. As they have both been independent readers for a long time it's been quite a long time since we regularly read together. I also enjoyed being able to have a general chat one on one after we'd finished reading.

• Any impact you felt reading to your child had on their (and your) wellbeing?

I think having one on one time was great particularly with lockdown and spending much greater periods of time all together than normal. I looked forward to the new part of our evening routine.

Choosing books each week and then seeing which arrived was a highlight in the week for the girls.

• Whether you intend to continue reading to your child now that the project has finished?

I think we will make more of an effort to read together moving forward. Don't think it will be every night though.

• Some of you will also have received a magazine, if your child was in the relevant age group. If so, how did your child respond to the magazine and what are your thoughts?

N/A

• Whether you intend to replicate the new book part of the project by allowing your child to choose a new book regularly?

Yes I think we will. Through the project they've both discovered new authors that they really liked.

[TwoMuchTwoYoung]

A massive thank you for these books. It came at a perfect time as my son had just finished his last library book. It was exciting to get a delivery every week and so many free books. We have both loved reading them all.

• How your child responded to you spending time reading to them, and if this changed as the weeks progressed?

Ds is 11 and already loved reading so initially he was resistant to me reading to him but as the weeks went on he started to enjoy it more.

• Any changes you noticed as a result of, or anything that surprised you about reading to your child?

I was surprised how many words he mispronounced when he was reading to me, so it was good to be able to correct them.

• Any impact you felt reading to your child had on their (and your) wellbeing?

It was a good bonding time and gave us a break during the day from homeschooling.

• Whether you intend to continue reading to your child now that the project has finished?

My son said he would prefer to read on his own, but with me sat next to him!

• Some of you will also have received a magazine, if your child was in the relevant age group. If so, how did your child respond to the magazine and what are your thoughts?

He loved the two magazines he received and it was a lovely surprise.

• Whether you intend to replicate the new book part of the project by allowing your child to choose a new book regularly?

We were already regular library visitors and he quite often gets books from the supermarket and on his kindle so this will continue.

Thank you again! The best product test we've done.

[outnumbered77]

I took part with two of my children (DS is 11 and DD is 6).

• How your child responded to you spending time reading to them, and if this changed as the weeks progressed?

DS is a very reluctant reader but grew accustomed to me reading to him and did enjoy the book in the end. Unfortunately it hasn’t encouraged him to read independently though.
DD loves reading and loves being read to. She’s always keen to read a bit of the book herself but does love us reading. She loved the naughtiest unicorn books too.

• Any changes you noticed as a result of, or anything that surprised you about reading to your child?

I’m not sure I noticed any changes or anything that surprised me about reading with them but it was nice to be able to follow a story together and discuss the plot and characters.

• Any impact you felt reading to your child had on their (and your) wellbeing?

I think it did help all of our wellbeing. Being in lockdown and trying to juggle working and home schooling is stressful and snuggling up to read together brought a bit of calm.

• Whether you intend to continue reading to your child now that the project has finished?

I am still reading to DD every night. She always asks for her story. DS is more reluctant, but we have started a new book and will read it together, but probably only a few nights a week rather than every night.

• Some of you will also have received a magazine, if your child was in the relevant age group. If so, how did your child respond to the magazine and what are your thoughts?

Both children received magazines. DD absolutely loved hers, but probably more due to the plastic gifts on the front! DS got a fortnite one which he leafed through but wasn’t really all that interested.

• Whether you intend to replicate the new book part of the project by allowing your child to choose a new book regularly?

Yes I would be happy to replicate the new book part of the project. DD is desperate for a new naughtiest unicorn story! DS enjoyed the clockwork sparrow book and we already have a couple more in that series to be getting on with.

[Scoleah]

How your child responded to you spending time reading to them, and if this changed as the weeks progressed?
My Son 4, loved it, we always had books as part of our routine anyway but having 2 every week was so exciting for him.
My daughter 11, didn't enjoy it at first, she wanted to read by herself, but as time progressed she started to enjoy it and we looked forward to "our time" reading

• Any changes you noticed as a result of, or anything that surprised you about reading to your child?

DS4- I couldn't believe how much he actually took in & remembered about the books from hearing the story once! He started making up his own stories from all the ones we had read & was really comical to hear!
DD11- my daughter is very independent so likes to do things her own way & how she likes it. She didn't enjoy having me read to her in the beginning she wanted to do it by herself, but as we persisted we really started to enjoy having the time ourselves without any other distractions, just reading. She really started to grow in confidence in her reading and was a Joy to hear!

• Any impact you felt reading to your child had on their (and your) wellbeing?

Yes definitely with both of them , I think there has been so much going on in the world in the moment, and so much uncertainty which they pick up on. This has been a much needed distraction, and something for them to look forward to each week!

• Whether you intend to continue reading to your child now that the project has finished?

Yes, always did with my DS4 anyway, but my daughter really enjoyed having me read to her eventually, I'd love to continue.

• Some of you will also have received a magazine, if your child was in the relevant age group. If so, how did your child respond to the magazine and what are your thoughts?

My DS4 had about 4 magazines sent to him. Wasn't fussed on the magazine. Just the Toy, but got really excited everytime we had one!

• Whether you intend to replicate the new book part of the project by allowing your child to choose a new book regularly?

We bought new books every few months or so anyway; never as often as once a week though. We really enjoyed this project and would definitely buy one more often now!

[SoVeryLost]

How your child responded to you spending time reading to them, and if this changed as the weeks progressed?
DS really enjoyed being read to. We created a new routine which really helped with everything that has been going on. It allowed us to carve out time that was for just settling. It encouraged him to talk about things that had been bothering him.

Any changes you noticed as a result of, or anything that surprised you about reading to your child?
He started to read a lot more than he had been and he started to discuss the books he was reading. He's always been an avid reader but he wouldn't discuss that he was reading at all.

Any impact you felt reading to your child had on their (and your) wellbeing?
I think it really helped for both of us.

Whether you intend to continue reading to your child now that the project has finished?
We still continue to read together.

Some of you will also have received a magazine, if your child was in the relevant age group. If so, how did your child respond to the magazine and what are your thoughts?
DS enjoyed the magazine however, there wasn't much reading.

Whether you intend to replicate the new book part of the project by allowing your child to choose a new book regularly?
We intend to get new books regularly but not necessarily on a weekly basis. We still haven't read all of the books we were sent.

[Healthquestion101]

• How your child responded to you spending time reading to them, and if this changed as the weeks progressed?
  

I took part with my 6 and 7 year olds. One adores being read to, the other is very reluctant. We've always read to them every evening in bed but as the older one became reluctant we stopped and just had him read some of his school reading book to us. They still remain the same BUT the breakthrough we found due to this project with my older child was that he did enjoy short periods of us reading to him a book HE had chosen.

• Any changes you noticed as a result of, or anything that surprised you about reading to your child?
  

We took part in this trial during lockdown. What has surprised me is how reading to them improved my own wellbeing. I felt closer to them and really relished the brief moments of escapism in a constantly moving and often alarming news cycle.

• Any impact you felt reading to your child had on their (and your) wellbeing?
  

As above, all of us benefited from having a cuddle and a giggle with the stories.

• Whether you intend to continue reading to your child now that the project has finished?
  

Yes absolutely. We always have read to them but as I mentioned earlier with my eldest child we stopped as he was reluctant but we've now built a regular routine into the evening. He does still protest sometimes but then enjoys the story.

• Some of you will also have received a magazine, if your child was in the relevant age group. If so, how did your child respond to the magazine and what are your thoughts?
  

We received two magazines, one was a Fortnight video game one which neither child showed any interest in and the other was a Minecraft one, which they LOVED!

• Whether you intend to replicate the new book part of the project by allowing your child to choose a new book regularly?
  

100% yes, absolutely

Thank you very, very much for choosing us to take part. It's been a fantastic experience and opportunity to remind us all of the benefits of reading. Much needed escapism and comfort in challenging times.

[StickChildNumberTwo]

• How your child responded to you spending time reading to them, and if this changed as the weeks progressed?
  

Lockdown has meant I've been able to do bedtime stories more consistently than usual (I work a lot of evenings so am often not around - it's easier to fit stories around Zoom meetings!) which has been lovely. With my 8 year old it's meant we are getting through books faster, with my 4 year old it's meant I've consciously made sure we've read together every day (and he's started telling me off if there's a possibility I've forgotten because he's realised I 'have' to!) They both love stories and while the 8 year old read voraciously herself she still enjoys being read to as well.

• Any changes you noticed as a result of, or anything that surprised you about reading to your child?
  

With my pre-schooler it's been good to have the opportunity to talk about things like letters and numbers to match some of the input he'd be having at nursery - we've not done well at 'home schooling' for him, but stories give the opportunity for conversations.

• Any impact you felt reading to your child had on their (and your) wellbeing?
  

When lockdown has felt hard it's been good to have a consistent point of contact and cuddles that doesn't depend on feelings/behaviour/how the day has gone. (My husband has been known to use removing bedtime stories as a threat which I'm not up for!)

• Whether you intend to continue reading to your child now that the project has finished?
  

Oh yes, although we did anyway but this has made it more consistent.

• Some of you will also have received a magazine, if your child was in the relevant age group. If so, how did your child respond to the magazine and what are your thoughts?
  

It would have been helpful to know this might happen - I was utterly baffled to start with until the penny dropped that there was a connection! I'm not a great fan of magazines - they always feel like not much content for the money (and I don't like the cheap plastic toys on the front - they feel like the worst sort of disposable plastic, although the kids enjoy them). I found the 8 year old tended to take over the magazines and 'help' with the stickers, but it kept them quiet....

• Whether you intend to replicate the new book part of the project by allowing your child to choose a new book regularly?
  

We're looking forward to getting back to the library! Having done a clear out of books at the start of lockdown there's still not enough space on their bookshelves for more so I won't be regularly buying them, but we'll be back at the library. If the 8 year old runs out of books at home before the library reopens I might see if we can do some swaps with her friends!

Thanks for letting us be a part of this project, we've loved it (although trying to think of something new to write in the diary each day proved challenging towards the end!)

[MsMarple]

- How your child responded to you spending time reading to them, and if this changed as the weeks progressed?

DS (7) was really keen at first - the novelty of being at home all day in lockdown probably had something to do with this - but by the last few weeks was happier if I left him to read on his own! He has slightly come around again to it since the project stopped, and has asked me to read a couple of times, but has told me that he prefers comic-style books and he prefers to hear them in his own voice in his head.

- Any changes you noticed as a result of, or anything that surprised you about reading to your child?

I was surprised that he can read and understand much better than I thought. I had assumed he was avoiding longer chapter books because they were too difficult for him, but it turns out he can comprehend and make inferences and follow a longer story over time, but he just doesn't care about words without pictures. It was actually more of an education for me, as I paid more attention to some of the comic books that he likes and really enjoyed them myself.

- Any impact you felt reading to your child had on their (and your) wellbeing?

It was really helpful as a lockdown thing. He was much more cuddly and feeling unsettled at the beginning of the project, and I think the attraction of it was knowing I was consistently making time for him and we could snuggle up for as long as he wanted was very reassuring. Fun for me too as he is normally busy with his own stuff! It was also good for both of our wellbeing to laugh at some of the jokes together, and I think it was also good for him to have completely free choice about what we read.

- Whether you intend to continue reading to your child now that the project has finished?

He has been keen a couple of times since. I think I will start again during the holidays, as he has half an hour a day of listening to an audiobook and doing comprehension questions for school at the moment, and he isn't keen on any more story time than that.

- Some of you will also have received a magazine, if your child was in the relevant age group. If so, how did your child respond to the magazine and what are your thoughts?

He said he liked the magazine and was excited about receiving it, but it didn't really hold his attention for very long. The toy was a fake nerf gun thing which he couldn't wait to open, but it didn't work. Personally I wouldn't buy the magazine for him myself as they are a lot of money for very light content and flimsy plastic toys. If I do get him a magazine - usually if we have a long train or car journey - I choose one of the lego ones (sorry!) as I know the toy is good quality and he will play with it for years. Other magazines just feel like a waste.

- Whether you intend to replicate the new book part of the project by allowing your child to choose a new book regularly?

Yes, I think I will. We generally went to a bookshop once every holidays, and we used to go to the library much more before he started school. I am planning to build a Saturday morning library trip into our weekend routine when they re-open.

[Mummytwo78]

The Egmont reading Club, Six weeks was a great exercise to take part in, and at the perfect time.I really feel fortunate to have been selected to take part, and both myself and my daughter thoroughly enjoyed the task. Reading to either of my children aloud hadn't been practiced for quite some time. (I"m a little ashamed to admit not since they were much smaller, and the books had less words).
I had my ten year old daughter take part and help choose the books , but my twelve year old son, soon decided to engage more with reading and asked me many times to read to him once he heard me read to his sister.

My daughter already enjoyed reading, so I was lucky. However the excitement of receiving her selected books in the post, and me taking the time to read aloud to her, really made the job very easy, and rewarding.
She was starting to struggle with Lockdown, missing her school friends and the routine.The novelty of being off school soon started to have a negative impact on her. She started to complain she was too tired to do school work, or felt unwell. The reading challenge enabled me to sit with her and gently coax her into the importance of reading, and creating stories, and expressing her imagination; whether that be with words or with pictures.
I learnt the importance of reading for myself as well as the importance to keep the children reading. I had forgotten how therapeutic it is and how relaxing just 15 minutes reading can be.
Taking it in turn to read aloud, I could also help her to better understand words and pronounce them better, and occasionally we had to look up some new words.
As the weeks progressed I learnt that some reading is better than none. Sometimes she choose junior books (below her advised school reading level) to read so that she could create voices and have a bit of fun with reading. Whilst at other times she wanted to challenge her reading and try out new reading styles and themes.
As a whole family, we have decided to read more, whether together in pairs aloud ,or to take time out to read for relaxation, whenever we feel the need. I have helped them to look for new books that interest them and encouraged them to swap books and discover books they may previously overlooked.
The six weeks have been very beneficial and we will continue to make more time for reading.

[scatterbrainedlass]

• How your child responded to you spending time reading to them, and if this changed as the weeks progressed?
  

His behaviour improved, and he was less stressed and emotional, both side effects of lockdown,

• Any changes you noticed as a result of, or anything that surprised you about reading to your child?
  

He quite quickly started to get ready for bed without messing about as he was looking forward to a bedtime story. He also became very keen on learning to read himself.

• Any impact you felt reading to your child had on their (and your) wellbeing?
  

It definitely felt like we both benefitted emotionally from it.

• Whether you intend to continue reading to your child now that the project has finished?
  

Yes

• Some of you will also have received a magazine, if your child was in the relevant age group. If so, how did your child respond to the magazine and what are your thoughts?
  

He loved the activities, and it was a great little extra for a rainy day.

• Whether you intend to replicate the new book part of the project by allowing your child to choose a new book regularly?
  

Once the library is open again we will go regularly and he can choose new books.

[allthingsred]

Massive thank you for this product test
I signed up my son (10) but this ended up with my 12 &14 dd joining in too

-not going to lie my son struggles at school & reading is not easy for him for a few days at the beginning of this test. He/ it was too much like extra school work & he was not impressed.BUT as time progressed we adapted the times we were reading & when choosing books we made sure they were on the school list we took the pressure off ourselves & it was fun. The routine has become massive part of our lockdown days.

• I was surprised how quickly his reading speed & flow, when Co reading improved. He heard me doing the voices & he started to do this to.

He also had a book where he would write down unfamiliar words which was off his own back. It was great to see.
Most of all I was surprised how much he enjoyed it. I always thought he's to big to be read to. But actually that 1 on 1 time doing something calm was/ has been amazing for both of us.

• it's had a big impact on us. His sisters would join in & we would Co read together which has been lovely as a family. Lockdown had been scary this has ensured he has had 1 on 1 time to talk about his worries & day on top of the story.

-we have continued to read although not been every day. It's been a mon-fri.

My son recieved 2 magazines. Which went down well. They were to his intrests & he enjoyed them when I said this counts as reading!

• when the libraries re open we will be sourcing new books weekly. With the older 2 joining in too

[bakingqueen]

How your child responded to you spending time reading to them, and if this changed as the weeks progressed?

They have both responded favourabky to it. My oldest hated reading and books but seemed more receptive to the books. Reading together helped foster quietness with my younger one

• Any changes you noticed as a result of, or anything that surprised you about reading to your child?
  

I was surprised about how much my oldest son was reluctant to read and having the options of different types of books helped to find ones that appealed to him more and encouraged him. My younger son became a lot calmer and more engaged with books

• Any impact you felt reading to your child had on their (and your) wellbeing
  

It helped us take time out of our day to have reading time and family together time. In a scary world it helped th both

• Whether you intend to continue reading to your child now that the project has finished? Yes we will continue with both of them
  

• Some of you will also have received a magazine, if your child was in the relevant age group. If so, how did your child respond to the magazine and what are your thoughts?
  

My younger son liked his magazines and we read through them together. My older son was not so keen as they were gaming magazines and he does not play video games

• Whether you intend to replicate the new book part of the project by allowing your child to choose a new book regularly?
  

Yes I will

[Rae1000]

• How your child responded to you spending time reading to them, and if this changed as the weeks progressed?

Yes definitely it was almost a struggle initially to get my daughter to settle down but VERY quickly it turned round and she loved it and in fact we both did. We have enjoyed the "together", quiet time.

• Any changes you noticed as a result of, or anything that surprised you about reading to your child?

Her vocabulary increased and we got some very good feedback from her English teacher (& other teachers) re her work that is being submitted.

• Any impact you felt reading to your child had on their (and your) wellbeing?

The only impact has been positive. Both our well beings improved, if at least for that period of time. It is considered our time now.

• Whether you intend to continue reading to your child now that the project has finished?

I have carried on with it. We haven't stopped at all. Intend to keep ot going until she returns to school full time at least.

• Some of you will also have received a magazine, if your child was in the relevant age group. If so, how did your child respond to the magazine and what are your thoughts?

My daughter has not received a magazine so can't comment sorry. I am assuming she isn't in the age range.

• Whether you intend to replicate the new book part of the project by allowing your child to choose a new book regularly?

I have already bought her a new book in sainsburys this week! Must admit though my expenditure is creeping up...will be good when libraries re open.

[pinkspideruk]

We took part with D (M aged 10) and H (F aged 6)

• How your child responded to you spending time reading to them, and if this changed as the weeks progressed?

Originally it was a bit of a struggle to get both of them to settle down to read however after the first week they were very keen to have their reading time and their attitude to reading changed. Both H and D at separate times asked to read their books outside of our reading time.

I also found originally H didn't really want to read one of the books, but midway through when we had finished the other books she was happy to go back and try the book again - something she wouldn't have done before.

• Any changes you noticed as a result of, or anything that surprised you about reading to your child?

Both H and D have become much more confident in their reading and in their willingness to sound out and try to read new words, I was surprised by how quickly they both started to enjoy reading and how they picked up new words and used the stories in other games together and separately.

I was also surprised at how easily they were able to link some of the things they were reading about to their own lives and the world around us.

• Any impact you felt reading to your child had on their (and your) wellbeing?

I think its had a really positive affect on both children's wellbeing. Having dedicated time where they were with me and allowing them time after reading to chat gave each of them their own space with me and they definitely appreciated that.

It also ave me some really good teaching tools to start discussions with them for example not judging people by how they look, how sometimes people are bullies or mean because of whats going on in their own life and it's nothing to do with you for H and for D it led to some interesting discussions around people's rights and how women were treated in Victorian times and how this changed and why. This has felt really pertinent as well in our current times.

• Whether you intend to continue reading to your child now that the project has finished?

100% will continue with reading however it has been really difficult to fit the time in every day for 2 of them. I think going forward I'll read to them on alternative nights 3 times a week and have a rest 1 day and spend that time catching up on my own reading :)

• Some of you will also have received a magazine, if your child was in the relevant age group. If so, how did your child respond to the magazine and what are your thoughts?

Both H and D receive a couple of magazines. H really enjoyed doing the activities in her magazines and all the toys that came with them. She did need a bit of help with some of the bits but mostly was happy to take them and do them by herself. D was also very happy with his mags which were around gaming his favourite thing and he was really happy to take them and read them on his own without my input.

The mags seemed good for keeping them occupied and the ones for H especially with the free gifts would have been good value for money if we were buying them.

They normally get a magazine once a month and I usually let them choose it themselves.

• Whether you intend to replicate the new book part of the project by allowing your child to choose a new book regularly?

I definitely will be - getting them involved in choosing the books was great as it meant they were excited to get their books and read them

[StillNoFuckingEyeDeer]

• How your child responded to you spending time reading to them, and if this changed as the weeks progressed?

I read to my children who are 4, 6 and 9 years old. They all responded positively to being read to. They enjoyed having individual attention and all responded well to the books.

• Any changes you noticed as a result of, or anything that surprised you about reading to your child?

They all became more engaged with reading and the older two started reading more to themselves as well.

• Any impact you felt reading to your child had on their (and your) wellbeing?

I think it made all of us feel happier and more relaxed.

• Whether you intend to continue reading to your child now that the project has finished?

yes, definitely.

• Some of you will also have received a magazine, if your child was in the relevant age group. If so, how did your child respond to the magazine and what are your thoughts?

the magazines were not as popular as the books.

• Whether you intend to replicate the new book part of the project by allowing your child to choose a new book regularly?

yes. definitely.

[leeloo1]

This was a brilliant project and one that we all really enjoyed taking part in.

-How your child responded to you spending time reading to them, and if this changed as the weeks progressed?

My dd(6) already loves being read to, but she felt more of a sense of ownership because she had chosen the books herself.

My ds(11) prefers to read to himself and choose his own books. He was sometimes happy to read together and we co-read some books, including with his sister. It did normalise reading together more though and I noticed he asked me to read with him a couple of times before the project ended. I just asked him if he enjoyed being read to and he said 'not really'.

• Any changes you noticed as a result of, or anything that surprised you about reading to your child?

I knew they are both good readers for their age, but Dd surprised me with her reading stamina - e.g. insisting on reading 3 pages solid of Land of Roar. She became very good at asking what words meant during the project. I was also surprised how much she enjoyed funny books, like the naughtiest unicorn.

Ds is less keen on reading aloud, he did it because he 'had to', but his reading expression improved as he competed a little with his sister. I was surprised he mispronounced a couple of words that he clearly knew from reading, but hadn't heard pronounced - or had, but hadn't cross referenced with the written word.

• Any impact you felt reading to your child had on their (and your) wellbeing?

I think we all enjoyed the snuggly time, especially at a stressful time like lockdown.

• Whether you intend to continue reading to your child now that the project has finished?

With dd yes. Ds less so, as its hard to persuade him to, we do occasionally read 'project' books together though that I think would be improving for him (this could be why he doesn't want to read with me!).

• Some of you will also have received a magazine, if your child was in the relevant age group. If so, how did your child respond to the magazine and what are your thoughts?

Ds got a fortnite one, which we donated, as he doesn't play. Both kids loved the free bow and arrow though!
Dd got 2 lol comics, which she disliked as she thought they were ugly and a my little pony one, which she didn't really enjoy. She liked the free stuff on them all though.
She got a Disney princess one which she really enjoyed, having recently learned about through disney+.

I think all the comics showed that unless you like the focus characters then there isn't anything intrinsically worth reading /doing in them - e.g. any stories that are interesting even if you aren't a fan of lol/mlp.

• Whether you intend to replicate the new book part of the project by allowing your child to choose a new book regularly?

Yes, definitely. I was pleased that they enjoyed choosing their own books.

Thanks for letting us take part, we all really enjoyed it and looking forward to the books coming was a fantastic part of the week.

[Ostanovka]

• How your child responded to you spending time reading to them, and if this changed as the weeks progressed?

My DD is 7 and reads well by herself, I hadn't read to her regularly for some time. She enjoyed it, but I think on the whole she prefers reading to herself because she finds the story pace faster. She would listen to a chapter and then go and finish the book herself. I didn't sign up my 4 year old to take part but wish I had, she got a lot out of listening in. She now brings me books to read to her all the time, and when I go to tuck her in at night, her bed is full of books.

• Any changes you noticed as a result of, or anything that surprised you about reading to your child?

They became nicer children, from us sitting together every day. My 4 year old was previously completely uninterested in reading and writing and in fact got cross when I tried to teach her the alphabet, but she can now tell letters and numbers apart and wanted to try a phonics game again which she had rejected before. 7 year old writes stories about the book characters, she gets very involved. They both play games with Sylvanians and Playmobil using the book's storylines and characters

• Any impact you felt reading to your child had on their (and your) wellbeing?

They were more content and better behaved from the extra attention. I feel better for spending time with them. It was good to put my phone down!

• Whether you intend to continue reading to your child now that the project has finished?

Yes, definitely. I never say no to reading now!

• Some of you will also have received a magazine, if your child was in the relevant age group. If so, how did your child respond to the magazine and what are your thoughts?

We had a Disney Princess one, they were very excited when it arrived and enjoyed looking through it but didn't go back to it, whereas the books have been reread many times.

• Whether you intend to replicate the new book part of the project by allowing your child to choose a new book regularly?

Yes, we're looking forward to the library reopening but I'm going to try to buy the rest of the Tintin series we started as DD loves it.

Thank you for including us in the project, choosing and receiving the books was a lot of fun and we all benefited from reading together.

[Katiecoooooo]

• How your child responded to you spending time reading to them, and if this changed as the weeks progressed?
  

It was lovely to spend time together that put no pressure on him. There has been a lot of nagging and cajoling with the school work and this was a really lovely way to just be together.

• Any changes you noticed as a result of, or anything that surprised you about reading to your child?
  

He has a massive emotional intelligence that I hadn’t really picked up on before. One of the books had a really big impact and we have spoken a lot about it since. The reading gave loads of opportunity to talk about words make sure of comprehension.

• Any impact you felt reading to your child had on their (and your) wellbeing?
  

The time spent snuggled up together was lovely and I hadn’t read to him for ages. I loved the reading aloud as well and I think we both found it relaxing and soothing.

• Whether you intend to continue reading to your child now that the project has finished?
  

Definitely, not as often as life does get in the way but we have a book on the go now.

• Some of you will also have received a magazine, if your child was in the relevant age group. If so, how did your child respond to the magazine and what are your thoughts?
  

I am not a big fan of these magazines but he enjoyed it. I think they are expensive and often bought for the plastic toy and then discarded very quickly.

• Whether you intend to replicate the new book part of the project by allowing your child to choose a new book regularly?
  

I have promised to do this over the summer hols. The price spent on a new book is very little compared to the hours of entertainment and very good value compared to comics.
Thank you for the opportunity. We have loved taking part.

[MrsFrTedCrilly]

Thanks for having us take part in this project it has really helped us create a little piece of calm everyday during lockdown.

• How your child responded to you spending time reading to them, and if this changed as the weeks progressed?
  

Initially she was a bit nonplussed by it all as she definitely was a reluctant reader. She definitely changed over time and as asking when reading time was by the end of the 6 week period.

• Any changes you noticed as a result of, or anything that surprised you about reading to your child?
  

It really calmed her down on bad days and helped her settle, she was very engaged with the stories. Her vocabulary and reading fluency improved a lot. It surprised me that she wanted to read to me by the end of the trial period.

• Any impact you felt reading to your child had on their (and your) wellbeing?
  

It was a little bit of cuddles and calm every day.

• Whether you intend to continue reading to your child now that the project has finished?
  

Yes, although she now reads to us sometimes, I didn’t think she’d ever do this willingly as it’s too much like school reading!

• Some of you will also have received a magazine, if your child was in the relevant age group. If so, how did your child respond to the magazine and what are your thoughts?
  

We didn’t receive any magazines as part of the trial.

• Whether you intend to replicate the new book part of the project by allowing your child to choose a new book regularly?
  

Yes we are doing this, not weekly but as and when we finish a book.

Thanks again for including us in the project.

[chorusline79]

How your child responded to you spending time reading to them, and if this changed as the weeks progressed?

Both my children really enjoyed the reading aloud, and seemed to look forward to it more and more as we got more into a routine of doing it. They loved the new books and looked forward to helping choose them, so I think they felt involved in the project.

• Any changes you noticed as a result of, or anything that surprised you about reading to your child?
  

I was surprised about how much I enjoyed it, especially making the time to do it. I think we all found it very calming, and I was surprised at the impact of that and on some days it just totally changed the mood ( for the better!) I was able to use the reading as a tool to diffuse arguments, something I had not really considered before.

• Any impact you felt reading to your child had on their (and your) wellbeing?
  

An increased sense of calm, and definitely an increased closeness, as both my children are quite young and like to sit on me when I am reading to them. The affection and extra cuddles certainly helped to improve wellbeing.

• Whether you intend to continue reading to your child now that the project has finished?
  

Absolutely. I will make the time to do so regularly. The benefits are worth it and we all enjoy it, and I would like to establish good habits of regular reading now whilst they are young!

• Some of you will also have received a magazine, if your child was in the relevant age group. If so, how did your child respond to the magazine and what are your thoughts?
  

The magazines were hit and miss. My daughter (3) did enjoy some of the activities and liked the colouring. My son (5) wasn't really interested in the magazines at all. I preferred the books, but did like elements of the magazines, but I probably wouldn't buy them as I think they are quite expensive for what they are.

• Whether you intend to replicate the new book part of the project by allowing your child to choose a new book regularly?
  

I think I will. I haven't yet as we are still reading some of the project books but we all enjoyed receiving them and having something new and exciting to read. It is also wonderful to hold a book with them, and not do everything screen based so I see it as money well spent and would encourage them to choose their own.

[BookShop]

• How your child responded to you spending time reading to them, and if this changed as the weeks progressed?

We used to read together daily when DS was younger but as he got older and more independent I let him read alone. DS is a fluent reader and will come to me if he needs clarification or wants to talk about a book. It was a great excuse to have him read with me again. I think it invigorated his love of books and being together was enjoyable. The snuggling up together part was nice. We would make a cup of tea and sit down with focus and intent. Occasionally it felt a bit like a chore, especially with the lockdown - being another thing to have to do, but once we sat down and began reading it was always pleasurable.

• Any changes you noticed as a result of, or anything that surprised you about reading to your child?

DS is amazing at creating different voices for characters. He really did bring them to life. I always knew how smart he was but this reinforced that. I think he realised that the sound of his own voice can be interesting. He is much more likely to read aloud or to others now.

• Any impact you felt reading to your child had on their (and your) wellbeing?

He was calmer than usual - which is saying something as he is generally laid back! Finding time to read with him made him see how available I actually am. We definitely had more cuddles with the reading.

• Whether you intend to continue reading to your child now that the project has finished?

We are still reading together. It is instigated by DS much more now.

• Some of you will also have received a magazine, if your child was in the relevant age group. If so, how did your child respond to the magazine and what are your thoughts?

We were not keen on the magazine. I don't like all the plastic that goes with kids magazines. The actual magazine wasn't of interest to DS.

• Whether you intend to replicate the new book part of the project by allowing your child to choose a new book regularly?

Book buying is encouraged in our house. We are members in 4 different local libraries. We love reading and regularly choose different genres/authors/formats for any reading. I have always encouraged DS to choose freely and read widely. We will definitely continue. I adore books and am keen for my DCs to feel the same. Luckily they appear to have the reading bug.

Thank you for giving us the chance to take part. We have passed on a couple of books to friends and will pass on the others when they are no longer of interest to us.

[IWasThere4Aug12]

DS10 responded really well – he was happy to co-read and do his share but much preferred me reading to him. DS13 enjoyed listening in as well which I didn’t expect.

Really positive impact on everyone’s wellbeing – I’ve been working long hours so it was nice to have this as a fixed routine to ensure I had some quiet time with the DCs. If you don’t make the effort with these things its easy for time to slip away.

Definitely intend to continue reading with both DCs as long as they want it (5 days a week not 7 as routines are different at the weekend).

DS10 received a Fortnight magazine – he looked at it briefly but was rather scornful and said it was ‘way out of date’. He did like the cheap plastic toy attached though.

Yes we will allow DS to choose new books at the library each week once reopened. If he finds a series he really likes, I’m happy to buy them. He found a new series he loves by chance during this trial which I’m eternally grateful for – he now has something else to read over and over rather than just Diary of a Wimpy Kid!

We’ve really enjoyed the trial – thank you so much for selecting us.

[SylvanianFrenemies]

I did this with both my daughters. Will talk about the 8yo first....

How your child responded to you spending time reading to them, and if this changed as the weeks progressed?

She has loved it! I usually just leave her to her own reading, but she has loved having ne and her dad read to her again.

• Any changes you noticed as a result of, or anything that surprised you about reading to your child? She falls asleep more easily. She has become more open minded about trying new texts. She has started reading regularly to her little sister. ❤
• Any impact you felt reading to your child had on their (and your) wellbeing? It has been a nice bonding experience. It seems relaxing for her.
• Whether you intend to continue reading to your child now that the project has finished? Yes. I'm really glad we are back to reading together!
• Some of you will also have received a magazine, if your child was in the relevant age group. If so, how did your child respond to the magazine and what are your thoughts? We didn't get any for an 8yo. Shame, because she really wanted a copy of Toxic and we can't go to the shops for it!
• Whether you intend to replicate the new book part of the project by allowing your child to choose a new book regularly? Yes, though cannot afford to do it as much as for the project.