Jo’s story
I read online each Monday as a Reading Heroes volunteer and it’s such a lovely start to the week – it’s something that I genuinely look forward to and is as much a ritual for me, as it is for the child I read with.
In the few short months I’ve read with him, I’ve seen such a change in his confidence and enjoyment of language. He’s at that age where he’s developing and discovering new things all the time, so it’s exciting to watch that happening.
He particularly enjoys poetry, rhyming and books with words that are fun to say. At the end of each session, I ask if there’s any news he wants to share with me – that can be a new toy or a sticker he got at school that day, but it means I get to know him as an individual and can better tailor each session around him. We say goodbye each week by doing a (careful) high five through the screen.
“In the few short months I’ve read with him, I’ve seen such a change in his confidence and enjoyment of language.”
Jo, The Reader volunteer
Sharing stories with another person is such a privilege. Both my parents love reading – my mum was even a librarian – and I think that’s really easy to take for granted when you grow up with it.
But, so many children don’t have that opportunity. Humans have an innate love of stories. We all need escapism and adventure to help us figure out who we want to be. My reader will show me what he enjoys instinctively by repeating certain words and simply enjoying the sound of them. It’s a reminder that you don’t need to have read every classic or be a ‘literary person’ (whatever that means!) to find joy in storytelling.
The fact he comes to each session so unfiltered is refreshing.
Truthfully though, we have good days and bad. Times where he wants to read for himself because he’s enjoying it so much and times when he finds it a challenge to sit still for five minutes…and that’s ok!
Beyond the books, one of the most important things for me is to be a consistent adult for him. To be there each week, to remember what he’s told me, to care, to do what I’ve said I will and be there each week with a new story we can share.
Find out more about volunteering at The Reader
Click here to see a role description
Volunteers
Help someone discover the joy of reading
A little of your time can open up whole new worlds for someone else. Find out how you can support learners and be part of the National Year of Reading across 2026.
