Reading Chest

[MrsSaxon]

Joined the other day, just got first books through and I have to say I am delighted (as is DD)

She is just starting to read and hasn't been given anything over the holidays.

Her school, which is mostly lovely, only offers Oxford reading tree.

She received 6 books this morning, great variety and has read 3 already.

I joined about 3 months ago and agree with you that it is great. DD loves getting post addressed to herself and always dives straight into the new books. She loves doing the book reviews on their website too.

Its just refreshing to have books she can read herself that are not Oxford reading tree, not that I have anything against them.

Its great to have some factual stuff to.

I have gone for the maximum package but can always downgrade it term time if she is getting some decent books from school.

I agree - Reading Chest has really given my DS a boost with his reading. He still reads the odd Oxford Reading Tree book but seems much more interested in some of the other schemes such as Project X which they don't have at his school. He just got a certificate the other day for reading 20 books which he loved.

I have had issues with DDs teacher this year about reading and subscribe to reading chest, even though she reads book after book independently by herself from such authors as jacqueline wilson, roald dahl, michael morpugo; why? I hear you ask
! because with reading chest I know that the books that she receives are correctly graded in line with school, and because she enjoys reading them in addition to all the other things; she was predicted a level 2b at the end of yr1 and achieved a 2a/3, after all the doubt about her comprehension level.

I have never heard of this before, but can I ask why this is different from using your local library, which is free, and asking the librarian about reading grades, or simply going every fortnight with your child and letting them choose something they enjoy?

Does Readinf Chest offer something different?

Thanks,

I asked myself the same questions before subscribing, Lumboo, but decided that reading chest was easier than dragging 3 children to the library every week when we have so much else going on; Also the librarians whilst lovely aren't as aware of scheme books and I know with RC that the ones sent are tailored to DD; lastly DD still enjoys reading scheme books aswell as library or home books, her choice not mine, and the books generally have tips for comprehension checking etc at the end. In my opinion money well spent.

Lumboo, our local library has one shelf of appropriate reading material,which she has read.

With reading chest she is getting through 12-18 books a week, tailored to her reading level.

It is basically an online library tailored to your needs, well worth the money.

Thanks for your replies. Yes it sounds like a very good scheme, and definately worth the money. Children should definately be encouraged to enjoy reading with plently of variety. I never was and feel that I missed out on so much.

Luckily our local library has a very good stock of different level reading books, which they rotate with other libraries in Haringey. Reading Chest sounds like a very good site to keep in mind though. :)

I have never heard of Reading Chest .. how does it work? Does anyone have a link please?

link

We use it because our local library has a limited range and although they will order books, I don't know what to ask for. DD loves having the post addressed to her and being able to print off certificates as she reaches certain levels. She also loves being able to go online to write reviews, and seeing her reviews on the website.

Basically the books arrive through your letterbox, you read them and send them back in the pre-paid envelope, more arrive 2 days later and off you go again.

thank you ... have just signed up and I found a £1 discount code for the first 6 months which helps a little - our local library isnt huge and I end up buying books for ds as the school dont let you take them home over the holidays. They also dont seem to have any age appropriate non fiction which I think he would enjoy. Will give it a go for a few months - I am sure he will love the stickers and certificates etc as he gets a great sense of achievement from moving between levels. Thanks for the recommendation!