Sporty Story Box Project Kicks Off to a Flying Start
This Autumn UK Reads held sporty Story Box Projects with Exeter Chiefs rugby star and children’s co-author, Jack Maunder.
Following the Covid-19 school closures and ongoing disruptions to learning, the schools UK Reads were working with were desperate to receive additional support for children and families who had become disengaged from their reading and writing.
Jack Maunder released his uplifting book ‘Bounce Back Jack’ in 2020 to help children during the winter lockdown to build resilience and encourage a positive mindset. UK Reads were delighted to team up with Jack and create a bespoke Story Box Project that appeals to children struggling with literacy but who thrive in an active environment.
Led by a team of education specialists and well-being practitioners, the children took part in a range of activities to develop a more positive mindset around reading, introduced techniques to increase resilience, and helped the families find the fun in reading together. Children were accompanied by a parent or carer so that their new skills could be taken back into the home and used to support their ongoing literacy journey.
Exeter Chiefs star Jack attended the sessions and joined in with the activities. He was a huge inspiration to the children, and his presence made each session extra special. Jack shared his story that at school he also struggled with reading and writing, and that before lessons he would ask his teachers to not ask him to read in front of the class.
The feeling of pressure and anxiety around reading was something the children could relate to. Before the sessions started, they described themselves as feeling nervous and worried but by the end of the session, after a lot fun, a weight had been lifted and they told us were now feeling relaxed and proud of themselves.
“For those struggling with their reading and writing everything can seem like an uphill battle. I want kids to know, with a little perseverance, they can achieve anything! I got involved with UK Reads to help give a little inspiration and encouragement to those children that need it. It doesn’t matter who you are, or where you come from, you can fulfill your dreams.” Jack Maunder
All of the children who take part in the Story Box project are invited and encouraged to take part in a UK Reads reading challenge. Our team also stay in touch with families to track and support their literacy journey. The children from this Story Box Project have been reading every day!
AUTHOR: Annie Bardnen – Director of Programmes
Jack Maunder released his uplifting book ‘Bounce Back Jack’ in 2020 to help children during the winter lockdown to build resilience and encourage a positive mindset. UK Reads were delighted to team up with Jack and create a bespoke Story Box Project that appeals to children struggling with literacy but who thrive in an active environment. Led by a team of education specialists and well-being practitioners, the children took part in a range of activities to develop a more positive mindset around reading, introduced techniques to increase resilience, and helped the families find the fun in reading together. Children were accompanied by a parent or carer so that their new skills could be taken back into the home and used to support their ongoing literacy journey.
Jack Maunder released his uplifting book ‘Bounce Back Jack’ in 2020 to help children during the winter lockdown to build resilience and encourage a positive mindset. UK Reads were delighted to team up with Jack and create a bespoke Story Box Project that appeals to children struggling with literacy but who thrive in an active environment. Led by a team of education specialists and well-being practitioners, the children took part in a range of activities to develop a more positive mindset around reading, introduced techniques to increase resilience, and helped the families find the fun in reading together. Children were accompanied by a parent or carer so that their new skills could be taken back into the home and used to support their ongoing literacy journey.
