You may recall we recently recruited for folks to join the latest Pearson book review panel - this time for those children in KS2 (aged 7-11). We have chosen folks for this and emails have just been sent to those selected, but Pearson are very keen to also have parents (and DC) put a specific range of books to the Mumsnet test. These books are aimed at children who are struggling with their reading and who are below the 'expected' level for their age.
We are looking for 10 children - 5 aged 7-9 and 5 aged 9-11.
Pearson say "The range of books we would like you and your child to review is called 'Rapid'. The range is aimed at aimed at children aged 7-11, but who are reading at national curriculum levels 1-3c (or equiv for Scotland and NI). They may have dyslexia, or other learning difficulties; they may have English as a second language or they may just be considered behind their peers for some reason. For example, your child may attend a mainstream school but might be in a special catch up reading group working with a TA".
"The books are designed to be 'high interest' with a low reading level. This means that an 8 year old in year 3 who is struggling can been given a book they will find interesting but at a level they can read, rather than being given a year 1 reading book to catch up".
Below are some sample pages of the books:
this is national curriculum level 1a to 2c
this is national curriculum level 1c
If your child fits the bill and you'd like to try some books, please sign up below. You'll be asked to take a proper look at the pack, read the books with your child, maybe get together with a group of mums to see what they think, and then submit your review on a special review thread on Talk. Panellists will be asked to submit their reviews within 2 weeks of receiving their review packs. You must review each book pack you receive. If you want to opt out of the project you can at any stage by emailing MNHQ.
If you are selected to take part, MN will email you to let you know. We will then pass on your name, your description of your childs reading issue, age and gender of your child, and address details to Pearson for them to dispatch your books.
Each panellist will be able to keep the packs they review. Pack values are around £12 and contain up to 6 titles. As a thank you for taking part there will be a monthly prize draw (on the last day of each month) for all those who have submitted a review in that month for all KS2 titles. The prize each month will be £50 of John Lewis vouchers.
The reviews will be used by Pearson to help promote the books to other Mumsnetters - they will link to the feedback thread from the book shop pages and will feature the reviews you send in on the site. Pearson also say "we want the reviews to help us refine and improve our selection of packs for the shop, so if a particular programme is receiving rave reviews, we'll add more titles into the shop and if something isn't being received well, we'll use this feedback to refine our offering"
So if you and your child would like to take part please add your details here
The first packs will be sent out in the next couple of weeks.
thanks
MNHQ