This exciting approach to reading aims to interest and excite young readers with themed stories, non-fiction, writing and thinking ideas, poems and activities in 15 reading and story Companions, containing in all over 1 500 pages of new, unpublished material.
The programme is addressed to the readers themselves who can work at their own pace through the reading plan contained in sturdy Book-Bags. They will find in each bag the story Companions, and the very best published books we can find – sourced from South Africa and from all over the world – books that expand each theme and enrich the reading experience.
The programme is intended for the most vulnerable readers of all; those who have learned to read their ABC, but lack the experience, encouragement or will to read more. To read with interest; to read with ease and for enjoyment, as well as for information and fun. The project aims to promote not only reading and writing skills, but to encourage imagination and critical thinking; to add fascination to the most valuable educational tool of all – reading.
The project is divided into three colours, RED, GREEN and BLUE. It can be used in three consecutive years, or at the speed of an individual or reading group. While not designed specifically for school use, it is used by teachers as add-on or supplementary reading. Best of all it interacts with reading groups of all kinds after school, at weekends or in school holidays.
Children’s Book Network has tried and tested this material over twelve years in hundreds of workshops with thousands of children in under-resourced circumstances.
It works.
THE THEMES
Depending on reading ability and interest, this programme is effective with young people between 10-years-old and 15-years old. It is immensely adaptable and can be supplemented with a wealth of additional material and adapted to suit specific reading needs.
It is presented in three colours of reading toolbox but is also available in individual themed bookbags. There is a reading game for each reading toolbox. There are 5 toolboxes in all.
- BOX ONE: BOOKS AND STORIES (3 Themes)
Books and Stories
Bravery
Imagination - BOX TWO: THE ENVIRONMENT ONE (3 Themes)
Land and Life
Life and Balance
Environment - BOX THREE: THE ENVIRONMENT TWO (3 Themes)
Sea – Time and Balance
Discovery
Wonders and Amazements - BOX FOUR: TIME AND LANDSCAPE ONE (3 Themes)
Imagine the World
Finding the Landscape
Africa and Life - BOX FIVE: TIME AND LANDSCAPE TWO (3 Themes)
Ancestors
Tankwa, Environments, Archaeology
San Peoples
