Read a story with a child

When kids ask you to read a story to them it's because they know something you don't. They know you'll both feel richer for the experience (they know they'll get an extra half hour before bed as well).

Remember how much you enjoyed the experience as a kid - how your imagination was captivated. Well now it's your turn to pass on that feeling and experience how rewarding storytelling really is. And not having kids is no excuse. Read to a nephew or niece, a godchild or friend's child. Local schools and libraries are often crying out for people to read to pupils. Reading and listening to books actually rewires a child's brain, speeds up their grasp of language, helps reduce stress and boosts self esteem. So how terrible that 60% of children go to bed without a story.

Can't find a book they like or aren't bored with, by the fifteenth visit? Make up your own stories. You might be quite good at it.

Take action
If you like the action, why not give it a go? We don't want you to spend hours trying to find out how to get started on each action, so we've got some ideas here.
www.dfes.gov.uk/read
www.readtogether.co.uk
www.roomtoread.org
www.silverjungle.com