The National Literacy Trust has launched a new virtual school library to help the pupils who have been worst affected by the Covid-19 crisis.
With the support of its patron, the Duchess of Cornwall, the trust has also developed a website, Words for Life, to provide families with activities to support pupils’ literacy at home.
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Research from the trust found that during lockdown a quarter of parents said their children did not have access to books of their own or library books, while half of parents - 50.1 per cent - said they would like more digital resources to support their child’s literacy at home.
Coronavirus: Virtual library to help boost literacy
The virtual library’s first guest school librarians are children’s authors Greg James and Chris Smith, who have shared a free audiobook from their Kid Normal series.
In a video recorded during a visit to Ivydale Primary School in London last week, the Duchess of Cornwall said: “I love libraries. They are absolute treasure troves of knowledge, wisdom and hope.
“Enter a library and you will suddenly find you are able to walk through wardrobes and pop out of rabbit holes and play Quidditch and maybe even steal the crown Jewels.
“I am delighted to launch the National Literacy Trust’s Virtual School Library. What a fantastic idea it is: a library that allows us to read books online, meet authors, see inside their writing rooms and enjoy reading activities - all from our own armchairs. I know children will have a fabulous time exploring it.”
Jonathan Douglas, chief executive of the National Literacy Trust, said: “We must do everything we can to support the literacy, learning and wellbeing of all children as they return to school after such a significant disruption to their education, particularly those who have been hit the hardest.
“As the nation marks 150 years of state education, the new school year will see a marked change in how children are taught, with blended learning at school and at home, so we must also adapt how we support children, teachers and families through this transition.
“Our Virtual School Library will ensure children who need it most have access to the magical world of stories all year round while our Words for Life website will provide parents with the activities they told us they need to help support their child’s literacy at home. Together, we can ensure that the impact of Covid-19 does not last a lifetime for any child.”
A spokesperson for the Department for Education said: “We are delighted that the National Literacy Trust has launched Words for Life to enhance the learning capabilities of children at home.
“This is a great example of government and charities working together in our shared ambition to improve the outcomes for every child, no matter their background. The Covid-19 pandemic has shown that learning at home is now more important than ever, and this site is a fantastic resource to enhance children’s education as they return to nursery and school.”
