Reading

[Frances44]

Hi all,
Not a frequent poster and not sure I've put this in the correct subject section. I'm starting to think of a second career (after almost thirteen years being a stay at home mum). My first career was in the media/politics, but now wanting to follow up my passion of reading. I have LOVED getting my children to be keen readers, and it's my idea of heaven to go to children's book festivals! I'm so keen to follow this through to a new career, and particularly to help the early years (ideally preventing little ones from being left behind). I guess I could re-train as a teacher, but that's not really hitting the button. Any suggestions amongst the educationalists amongst you on how I could take this forward? And any qualifications I would possibly need?

Erm.....what is it that you actually want to do, sorry? I’m not quite clear. Do you want to organise literary festivals?

If you’re interested in helping children with reading, or working for any organisation I can think of that helps with reading, teaching would be the way in. Book trust, CILIP, The National Literacy Trust etc. all have ex-teachers working for them (though additional qualifications too).

I might suggest librarian- but the two children’s specialist librarians I know have been made redundant. Not sure it would be a great career move under a Tory government.....

Thanks Curious Horse for your response. No, not literary festivals - that was just to outline my interest/passsion (albeit as a novice). I have been toying with the idea of retraining as a primary school teacher, but not sure all aspects of it would play to my strengths. My post was to sound out whether there was an obvious way of getting involved in reading with kids that I hadn't yet considered. Sounds like teacher training is the main option tho.

Yes! It is fun (not at the moment, I should imagine!). I did honestly get to spend most of my time reading nice books and chatting about reading though. It’s worth thinking about if it’s your passion. Yes you have to teach other things- but working with kids and books is brilliant.