With impeccable timing in light of the current lock down, we are delighted to announce that our feature area partner Mrs Mactivity have written a book to help parents and practitioners help children to read in a fun and hands-on way. Learn to Read the Easy Way by Heather McAvan is available to pre-order now, and will be on general release on the 2^nd June. It is packed full of ideas to help children make progress in reading right from the start of their reading journey up to learning to read full sentences, and is aimed at the 3-6 age group.

Heather said, “writing a book has been a life-long ambition for me, and as both a teacher and a mum, I know how difficult it can be to engage children in reading. For some children, reading comes easily, but for others there will be many challenges along the way. Children will learn so much more when they are actively involved and motivated to take part – and that’s the whole thinking behind the book. The games and play ideas in the book lay out easy, low prep activities that both practitioners and parents can easily do, and that children will love, either using things that you already have at home, or with items that can be bought very cheaply”.

Help children practise letter sounds with bubble wrap,  popping the bubbles as they pronounce the phonemes. Graduate to spelling games and compete head-to-head in a round of word dominoes. Hone children’s reading skills with a game of Twister! This book contains loads of creative ideas that work well in both a home, childminder, nursery or school setting.

Heather is also the founder of Mrs Mactivity – an activity-based learning resources website with a real emphasis on play-based learning. They have a huge range of printable resources for the 3-11 age range including a phonics scheme, enhanced provision resources, guided reading resources, maths activities, transition resources and much more! During lockdown, Mrs Mactivity have provided a daily free resource which can be accessed via the website.

You will be able to see some of the activities from Learn to Read the Easy Way at our upcoming Midlands, Manchester and London events. Click here to see more (insert link?)

To pre-order this book and for more details – click here.