communication with young people https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/ en Speech, language, and communication needs https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/advice-information/looking-after-fostered-child/health-and-wellbeing/speech-language-and <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--page.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:name">Speech, language, and communication needs</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--page.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span rel="schema:author"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">N B Lakhani</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--page.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:dateCreated" content="2017-12-07T11:40:34+00:00">Thu, 12/07/2017 - 11:40</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-introduction--page.html.twig * field--node--field-introduction.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--field-introduction.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-introduction field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Communication is an important aspect of our lives. Some children, however, struggle to develop effective communication skills. It is thought that many looked after children in the care system may have unidentified communication needs.</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--page.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div property="schema:text" class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><h2><strong>About the issue</strong></h2> <p>It is crucial for foster carers to be aware of the underlying and undetected communication difficulties experienced by children and young people in their care, in addition to their emotional needs. Foster carers are well placed to support and intervene early in helping young children develop their language abilities.</p> <p>Foster carers need to work hand-in-hand with health and school professionals to identify and address delays early, rather than waiting to see if they subside.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <h3><strong>What is communication?</strong></h3> <p>Language is at the heart of communication. Human language is a complex, multi-layered skill utilising words, which are combined into sentences to convey meaning through conversations and stories. The listening and understanding part of this two-way process is of the utmost importance.</p> <p>Language assists children in&nbsp;organising, asking questions, solving problems, making friends, collaborating, reflecting on their feelings, and resolving conflict.</p> <p>We may understand and use language in many different ways, for example: talking, signing, writing or using symbols. We can communicate face to face, in a group, by telephone, through a report, on a post-it note or via a text message and/or email.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <h3><strong>The development of language and communication</strong></h3> <p>Language and communication skills typically develop from birth in the form of early attachment relationships and continue to develop as we move into adolescence.</p> <p>There are strong links between language and emotional development. Children who are securely attached have better language skills. Good language skills help develop and maintain attachment, with more words to express emotions better and to build stronger narrative (storytelling) skills.</p> <p>Children and young people with communication needs may be less likely to join in conversations and therefore have fewer positive interactions. They may find it challenging to make and maintain friendships, be unable to share their feelings, while resolving problems and negotiating would prove difficult as well.</p> <p>Communication problems are usually associated with anxiety and frustration. Children with unsuspected language disorders have been found more likely to demonstrate oppositional behaviour, hyperactivity, and aggression.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <h3><strong>What causes speech, language and communication difficulties?</strong></h3> <p>Language and communication difficulties that are typical of looked after children include:</p> <ul> <li>social communication skills</li> <li>naming and managing emotions (including self-control)</li> <li>self-awareness</li> <li>vocabulary</li> <li>concepts related to time</li> <li>working memory</li> <li>the ability to retain, process, recall and sequence information.</li> </ul> <p>It’s not always clear what causes speech, language and communication difficulties, but physical, developmental and/or environmental factors may be identified and are likely to be interlinked.</p> <p>Speech, language and communication difficulties can be connected with a delay in a child’s general development. This may be associated with their environment. The majority of children in care experience conditions of poverty and social disadvantage.</p> <p>Any attachment difficulties and previous abuse, neglect and subsequent trauma may also have had an impact on the communication abilities of a looked-after child.</p> <p>Speech, language, and communication difficulties, however, may also be the result of developmental language disorder (previously termed specific language impairment) or associated with other conditions such as hearing loss, autism or learning difficulties.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <h3><strong>Why do communication difficulties go undetected?</strong></h3> <h5>Communication difficulties may be subtle and change over time</h5> <p>Children and young people who speak unclearly are relatively easy to spot. Children and young people who speak clearly, but find it difficult to understand&nbsp;what others say and/or find it&nbsp;difficult to use words and sentences to express themselves, however, may be less easy to ident</p> <h5>Communication difficulties may be viewed as behavioural problems</h5> <ul> <li>Children who may appear not to listen or pay attention (because the language used is too complex).</li> <li>Children who don’t do as they are told (because they don’t understand or can’t remember what they have been told to do).</li> <li>Children who take a long time to respond or don’t explain why they did something (because they can’t think of the right words, and easily construct sentences or narratives).</li> <li> <div>Children who interrupt or speak in an inappropriate way (because they’re not good at ‘reading’ social situations or using appropriate social communication skills).<br /> &nbsp;</div> </li> </ul> <h5>Behavioural difficulties may be more obvious than communication problems</h5> <p>Interventions for behavioural issues may be a priority; however, the children with underlying communication difficulties would not benefit from them if support is mostly vocal. Addressing the underlying communication needs may allow greater access to supportive interventions.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <h3><strong>Identifying and supporting speech, language, and communication</strong></h3> <p>Some children in foster care meet all their developmental milestones on time. Other children may have&nbsp;mild difficulties. These may improve by simply placing them in a sensitive, caring, and developmentally-stimulating environment. As a result, there is a lot a foster carer can do to help a child in care to reach their full potential.</p> <p>It is important to be aware of these speech, language and communication milestones. Be sure to share any concerns that you may be experiencing concerning a child or young person’s speech, language or communication skills.</p> <p>Problems in learning to speak and understand a language occur far more frequently among babies and toddlers in care than in others, researchers have found. If the child gets help while he or she is still very young, however, there is a high probability that he or she can overcome his or her challenges.</p> <p>Prompt referral to a speech and language therapist and appropriate assessment and support is critical and is likely to improve outcomes for the child or young person. Speech and language therapy may be beneficial for looked after children to better express their views, wishes, and feelings. It also helps those supporting children to communicate effectively with them.</p> <h2><strong>Practical tips for foster carers</strong></h2> <ul> <li>Create a listening-friendly environment in your home.</li> <li>Talk to the child or young person’s speech and language therapist about appropriate strategies that you can try at home.</li> <li>Look at the online resources that are available for further information and support. Visit: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.afasic.org.uk/">Afasic</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/">The Communication Trust</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.rcslt.org/">Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists&nbsp;</a></li> </ul> </li> <li> <div>Attend speech and language awareness training to develop your speech, language and communication skills.<br /> &nbsp;</div> </li> </ul> <h3><strong>Creating a listening-friendly environment</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Reduce background noise and minimise distractions when you are having a conversation, for example, switch off the television.</li> <li>Be a role model for good listening! Give the person speaking your undivided attention.</li> <li>Modify the way in which you speak to the child or young person: <ul style="list-style-type:circle"> <li>Induce attention by using the child’s name before giving them an instruction.</li> <li>Match your instructions to the child’s ‘language’ age (not ‘chronological’ age).</li> <li>Use short, simple sentences and slow your speech down slightly.</li> <li>Reduce the number of questions that you ask.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Provide visual support when you are talking. Use body language, pointing, demonstration, symbols, and pictures.</li> <li>Allow time. Pause for between five and ten seconds in-between sentences to help your foster child take in and work out what you are saying.</li> <li>‘Check’ understanding. Avoid asking: ‘Did you understand?’ as the child or young person may simply reply: ‘Yes!’ even though they did not understand. Instead, observe whether or not the child/young person has understood your instruction. For an older child or young person, ask if they can explain what you have said in their own words to you.</li> <li> <div>Praise good listening! &nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;</div> </li> </ul> <h2><strong>How we can help foster carers</strong></h2> <p>The Fostering Network offers advice, information, and support. Our expertise and knowledge are always up to date and available through our vital member helplines, publications, training, and consultancy.</p> <h4><strong>Advice</strong></h4> <p>Our <a href="/advice-information/advice/fostering-network-helplines" style="box-sizing:border-box; outline:0px; transition:all 0.3s; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-variant-caps:normal; orphans:2; text-align:start; widows:2; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px; word-spacing:0px">member helplines</a> provide confidential, independent and impartial advice for foster carers in the UK.</p> <h4><strong>Training</strong></h4> <p>The Fostering Network can provide an in-house training course on health, tailored to meet your service’s needs. Contact our <a href="mailto:training@fostering.net?subject=Training%20on%20health" style="box-sizing:border-box; outline:0px; transition:all 0.3s; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-variant-caps:normal; orphans:2; text-align:start; widows:2; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px; word-spacing:0px">training team</a> for more information.</p> <h4><strong>Our online community</strong></h4> <p>Our members also have exclusive access to our <a href="/community" style="box-sizing:border-box; outline:0px; transition:all 0.3s; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-variant-caps:normal; orphans:2; text-align:start; widows:2; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px; word-spacing:0px">online community</a> where you can log in to share your experience and get advice from other foster carers. The community is a safe and secure area to discuss topics including being a foster carer and looking after a child, as well as advice on finances.</p> <p>Tags:</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-content-topic--page.html.twig * field--node--field-content-topic.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--field-content-topic.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1133" hreflang="en">attachment</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1136" hreflang="en">communication with young people</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-members-only--page.html.twig * field--node--field-members-only.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--field-members-only.html.twig * field--boolean.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-members-only field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item">1</div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> Thu, 07 Dec 2017 11:40:34 +0000 N B Lakhani 11070 at https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk Supporting reading for primary learners https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/advice-information/looking-after-fostered-child/education/supporting-reading-primary-learners <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--title--page.html.twig x field--node--title.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--title.html.twig * field--string.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:name">Supporting reading for primary learners</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--title.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--uid--page.html.twig x field--node--uid.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--uid.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <span rel="schema:author"> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'username' --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> <span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="">Daniel.Sinclairtfn</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/user/templates/username.html.twig' --> </span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--uid.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--created--page.html.twig x field--node--created.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--created.html.twig * field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <span property="schema:dateCreated" content="2017-04-20T11:25:17+00:00">Thu, 04/20/2017 - 11:25</span> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'core/modules/node/templates/field--node--created.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-introduction--page.html.twig * field--node--field-introduction.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--field-introduction.html.twig * field--text-long.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-introduction field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field--item"><p>Learning to read is a vital part of a child's education, enabling them&nbsp;to access every other subject within the school curriculum and beyond.&nbsp; But&nbsp;reading is also a skill for life and the benefits&nbsp;go far beyond the classroom.&nbsp;Books can give a child experience of the world, how it works, of strange places, the distant past and possible futures.&nbsp; Books also help a child to understand their own feelings, grow empathy for others and build deeper relationships.</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--body--page.html.twig * field--node--body.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--body.html.twig * field--text-with-summary.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div property="schema:text" class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><p style="margin-bottom:12.0pt">Reading with your fostered child is one of the most <a href="/blogs/susan-soar/reading-together-why-does-it-matter">important </a>and enjoyable ways in which you can support their learning. Reading together&nbsp;improves children's listening and concentration skills, develops comprehension, stretches the imagination and improves word power.&nbsp;But as children&nbsp;and young people read, share and listen to&nbsp;stories, they also develop their&nbsp;ability to tell their own story and make themselves heard.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-bottom:12.0pt">The following tips may be helpful to foster carers supporting children's reading from the pre-school years to the end of primary school.&nbsp; The suggestions are organised according to children's level of skill and confidence, as fostered children may be working at a level that is different to their age or year group.&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-bottom:12.0pt">&nbsp;</p> <h3 style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">Getting started</h3> <ul> <li> <p>When children are learning to read sit them close to you so that they can see the words and the pictures in the book. Follow the print with your finger, pointing to each word as you read aloud.&nbsp; Encourage children to also follow the print and turn the pages as you read the story.&nbsp;</p> </li> <li> <p>Ask questions about the story and the illustrations: 'Why did that happen?,&nbsp;'What do you notice in this picture?'&nbsp;</p> </li> <li> <p>Encourage children to read short words using their phonic knowledge (letter sounds) and praise their attempts, even if they can't read the whole word correctly. Speak to your fostered child's class teacher for information about&nbsp;the phonics programme used by their school.</p> </li> <li> <p>Make sure that you read with children every day. This should include books that they read aloud to you (perhaps reading scheme books from school) and books that you read aloud to them. Re-read favourite books on a regular basis, as familiarity will deepen&nbsp;their understanding of a story.</p> </li> <li> <p>Give children the opportunity to read a range of high-quality children's books, including stories, poetry and information books. Look out for books that have rich and varied language, appealing storylines and engaging illustrations.</p> </li> <li> <p>Encourage children to read words and print in the world around them, by pointing out signs, notices and slogans.</p> </li> <li> <p>Share information with their class teacher by using any reading diary or record book provided by school. Remember to ask questions or request a meeting if you need specific support.</p> </li> <li> <p>If English is an additional language (EAL) for your fostered child, continue to support their first language development alongside their learning in English. You can do this by using dual language books, audio recordings or asking their school for dual language support materials.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Getting going</h3> <ul> <li> <p>As children gain confidence you can take turns reading a page each, or use the 'paired reading' technique where you first read aloud together&nbsp;then&nbsp;the child taps the book when they feel ready to continue reading aloud alone.&nbsp; Once children can read full sentences encourage them to read with expression, for example using a different voice when a character is speaking.</p> </li> <li> <p>Make sure that children read every day, spending time reading with you and also reading books that they have chosen for enjoyment and pleasure.</p> </li> <li> <p>Develop children's comprehension skills by asking questions when you are reading together: 'Why did that happen?', 'What do you think that character is feeling?', 'Which is your favourite character and why?' or 'What do you think will happen next?'</p> </li> <li> <p>Continue reading aloud to&nbsp;children even once they can read independently. Listening to books being read aloud supports children's listening skills, comprehension and enables them to experience more complex narratives. Story CDs or audio downloads can also support this aspect of your fostered child's learning.</p> </li> <li> <p>Show children how to use a junior dictionary to look up the meaning of words and a thesaurus to explore alternative vocabulary,&nbsp;as this will also support their writing development.</p> </li> <li> <p>Let your fostered child see you reading at home, as this will encourage them to read too. Show them your favourite books and share opinions about books or authors that you have enjoyed. Spend time sitting quietly together and reading.&nbsp;</p> </li> <li> <p>Seek out diverse books that will give children an opportunity to see themselves represented in stories and may also help to broaden their perspective on the world. This will develop children's sense of empathy by connecting them with characters who might look or seem different to themselves.</p> </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Getting confident</h3> <ul> <li>As children become confident readers, continue habits of reading together and talking about books. Make sure that they still read aloud to you on a regular basis. This might be just a few pages, but it will enable you to stay in tune with their progress and prompt a discussion about the text.</li> <li>When you discuss the book, try to ask questions that encourage your fostered child to show comprehension (understanding what is happening and why) and higher level skills such as prediction and inference (understanding what is implied in the text).</li> <li>Borrow or buy the book of a film that they have enjoyed, as familiarity with the story and enagement with the characters may give them the confidence to tackle more challenging reading materials.&nbsp;</li> <li>Encourage children to develop an interest in favourite authors or series of books. Search for the author's website and read their blogs or articles.</li> <li>Encourage children to read non-fiction material. Children's newspapers (First News) and magazines (National Geographic Kids) are available on subscription or may be provided in your library. Children may also enjoy relevant hobby or interest magazines: BBC Wildlife or BBC Good Food, for example.&nbsp;</li> <li>Keep books and reading material in odd places around your&nbsp;home. If you notice your fostered child gravitating towards a quiet spot, try keeping a basket of books, comics, magazines or albums nearby.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Using your library</h3> <p>Your local library is free to use and is a rich resource for children’s reading development:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Make sure that your fostered child is a member of the library and has their own borrowing card.</p> </li> <li> <p>Visit the library regularly,&nbsp;as often as you can.&nbsp;Once a week is fantastic and once a term is still better than not at all!</p> </li> <li> <p>Ask the librarians for support in finding age-appropriate reading books but also encourage your fostered child to choose freely from the shelves.</p> </li> <li> <p>Encourage&nbsp;your fostered child to issue their books&nbsp;independently and become familiar with how the library works.</p> </li> <li> <p>Look out for library activity sessions as there is often a lot going on for children of all ages.</p> </li> <li> <p>Taking part in holiday reading challenges can be a way to keep your fostered child motivated to read and write during breaks from school.</p> </li> <li> <p>Libraries may also hold author events or competitions to encourage and support children's reading and writing.</p> </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Storytelling and attachment</h3> <p>We tell and listen to stories all the time - describing our daily lives, telling jokes, sharing memories or recounting anecdotes.&nbsp; It is something that many foster cares do naturally and spontaneously, but it has a deeper meaning too. Almost invisibly, storytelling develops minds and builds relationships.</p> <p>Attachment theory is about how humans develop relationships, how we make bonds with others and how our relationships affect how we see the world.&nbsp; You can find out more on our <a href="/advice-information/looking-after-fostered-child/attachment">attachment</a> webpage. Our publication&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk/sites/default/files/content/building-relationships-through-storytelling-31-10-12.pdf">Building Relationships through Storytelling: A Foster Carer’s Guide to Attachment and Stories</a> explores stories and how they are helpful to emotional, social and cognitive development. It also outlines attachment theory, explores how storytelling builds attachment and describes a model for thinking about using stories to develop relationships and skills.&nbsp;You can also download&nbsp;<a href="/sites/default/files/content/storymaking-cards.pdf">story-making cards</a>&nbsp;to help create stories.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Resources</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.booktrust.org.uk/">Booktrust</a>&nbsp;is a national charity providing&nbsp;books, resources and support to help children develop a love of reading.&nbsp; &nbsp;Booktrust publishes lists of recommended&nbsp;<a href="https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/our-recommendations/100-best-books/">books by age</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/our-recommendations/booklists/">books by theme</a>.&nbsp; See also their children's <a href="https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/bookfinder/">book finder</a>&nbsp;for new book suggestions.&nbsp; Booktrust runs <a href="https://www.booktrust.org.uk/what-we-do/programmes-and-campaigns/letterbox-club/">Letterbox club</a> and has also published support materials on <a href="https://www.booktrust.org.uk/what-we-do/programmes-and-campaigns/letterbox-club/supporting-carers-and-foster-families/">reading in foster families.</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zs44jxs">BBC Bitesize</a>&nbsp;offers support across a wide range of subject areas, including reading comprehension.</li> <li>There are several phonics programmes used by schools including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jollylearning.co.uk/">Jolly Phonics</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ruthmiskin.com/en/programmes/phonics/">Read Write Inc</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zcqqtfr">BBC Bitesize website</a>&nbsp;gives an overview of the individual phonemes (sounds) including video clips.</li> <li><a href="http://www.wordsforlife.org.uk/">The Words for Life</a>&nbsp;website by the National Literacy Trust offers wonderful free resources to help carers and parents support children (Birth-11) with reading and literacy with games, magazines, rhymes and stories.</li> <li><a href="https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/welcome-back/for-home/reading-owl/english--1">Oxford Owl</a>&nbsp;is an education website by Oxford University Press, including a useful&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/education-jargon-buster/education-jargon-buster-adverbials-to-arrays/">jargon buster</a>&nbsp;of educational terminology.&nbsp;</li> <li> <div><a href="https://www.sevenstories.org.uk/">Seven stories&nbsp;</a>has compiled a list of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sevenstories.org.uk/news/latestnews/diverse-voice-top-50">50 of the Best Children’s Books celebrating cultural diversity in the UK.</a><br /> &nbsp;</div> </li> </ul> <h3>Blog</h3> <p><a href="/blogs/susan-soar/reading-together-why-does-it-matter">Reading Together: why does it matter?</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Tags:</p> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'links__node' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * links--node.html.twig x links.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/custom/tfnetwork/templates/system/links.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-content-topic--page.html.twig * field--node--field-content-topic.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--field-content-topic.html.twig * field--entity-reference.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topic field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field--items"> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1136" hreflang="en">communication with young people</a></div> <div class="field--item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1133" hreflang="en">attachment</a></div> </div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <!-- THEME DEBUG --> <!-- THEME HOOK: 'field' --> <!-- FILE NAME SUGGESTIONS: * field--node--field-members-only--page.html.twig * field--node--field-members-only.html.twig * field--node--page.html.twig * field--field-members-only.html.twig * field--boolean.html.twig x field.html.twig --> <!-- BEGIN OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> <div class="field field--name-field-members-only field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field--item">0</div> <!-- END OUTPUT from 'themes/contrib/bootstrap/templates/field/field.html.twig' --> Thu, 20 Apr 2017 11:25:17 +0000 Daniel.Sinclairtfn 10725 at https://www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk