Stoke parents urged to keep literacy a priority over Christmas

It's thought a third of children have been reading more since the start of the pandemic. Local charity, Stoke Reads is encouraging parents to keep this up so their children aren't at a disadvantage when they return to school in January.

They've launched their Christmas story trail which sees families explore Hanley town centre following clues to complete interactive tasks to boost their brains and bodies.

It's just one of a number of adventure literacy trails focused in Burslam and Tunstall. Data from the national literacy trust suggests those areas of the city suffer particularly in terms of low physical activity and intergeneration literacy.

Lois Bateman manages the story quest project she said: "A lot of projects had to stop during lockdown but ours actually got busier. It was an activity that families could do together during their hour of exercise."

"We're finding that families are loving that time of focus and just being together and having that quality time. Also, I think families are struggling during school closures to keep children entertained, this is a really good way to do that."

"Literacy starts at home, and across Stoke, there are quite a lot of intergenerational low literacy levels. We need to work with families and work with parents to make sure the value of reading at home is and enjoyment is placed in that child."

"This is just a really fun and really engaging activity they can do together (and Christmasy obviously!). I've had families say to me 'My kids hate reading but to answer the next bit of the puzzle they have to, it's really engaging and fun.'"

The Christmas story trail: 'The Christmas History Mystery' starts at Hanley library and sees families follow the quest past the library, regents theatre, around the indoor market and up to Intu Potteries.

For more information head to https://literacytrust.org.uk/communities/stoke/story-quest/

There's also been a soar in book donations during the course of the pandemic. Stoke Reads has received over 7,000 donations with local businesses and organisations such as the YMCA, Stoke BID, and Asha all chipping in.

Lois added "Reading is so important but 1 in 11 disadvantaged children don't own a book. We need to make sure those families have access to books and can access the value of reading."

"One day during lockdown 800 harry potter books turned up on my doorstep during I just thought this is amazing."

Finally, she said "If you go on a story quest please send us pictures. We miss seeing people in real life"

"Send us all your pictures, tag us on Facebook just so we can see all of you enjoying your Christmas story quests."