"At times like these, I sometimes wonder if children's books can really have a meaningful part to play in the world. But it's at times like these that I think they're most vital - to help kids understand the world, and to help them imagine and build a better one."

SF Said, author of 'Varjak Paw' 

S F Said really could not phrase Belle Vue's philosophy for developing children's reading for pleasure better. Books are the bedrock from which knowledge grows, provides comfort in times of difficulty, and joins us together in shared experiences. At Belle Vue we believe that reading for pleasure is central to development of each child and allows them opportunities which will carry a child through their life. 

In order to nurture a community of engaged readers at Belle Vue our teaching staff are developing their understanding of the pedagogy behind Reading for Pleasure. This is based around the 'Teachers as Readers' research group led by Professor Teresa Cremin of the Open University and UKLA. We are working through the following areas:

1. Reading Aloud

2. Social Reading Areas

3. Independent reading

4. Book talk and making recommendations

To help you help your child develop a life-long love of reading we have pulled together a few resources which we hope will guide you. You will find some useful tips on reading with your child, suggestions of books to help widen their reading diet and a link to 'The Reader Teacher's' latest book reviews.