Empowering young readers through face-to-face reading support

One-to-one reading support plays an important role in a child’s learning journey. Not only does it help a child boost their academic performance and develop valuable literacy skills, but by showing up consistently each week volunteers can also impact a child’s emotional and social development. 

We spoke to Armorer, a volunteer at Bookmark since 2022. Armorer dedicates half an hour each week, to read in-person with a child at Gospel Oak Primary School, London. Although she’s supported a number of children over the years, her time with Farah* has been particularly memorable. 

Armorer has seen first-hand how something as simple as showing up, can transform a child’s sense of self-worth and capacity to engage and focus. 

As Armorer reflects on her volunteer experience, let’s explore the value of one-to-one reading support for children.

Consistent support builds trust

For many children, the simple act of a volunteer showing up every week becomes a powerful symbol of reliability and emotional support. This consistency is important, especially for those who may not receive consistent attention at home. 

Armorer has supported Farah for over two years which has helped her to build trust over time.

She explains, ​“just having a grown-up turn up consistently every week… is good for self-esteem”. This shows how structure and routine can help a child feel valued and also provides a comfortable space for them to explore books.

Books are a great focus tool

Armorer also notes that reading is a ​“brilliant thing to be doing with a child on a regular basis… [because the book] takes the pressure off the relationship.” 

By focusing on books, volunteers can create a relaxed and low-pressure environment that allows the child to develop literacy skills at their own pace. This routine can nurture academic growth whilst providing a stable and supportive role model.

Encourages personal choice in reading

One-to-one reading sessions can help a child like Farah to discover the books they enjoy.

Armorer noticed that Farah was often distracted and wasn’t fully engaged with the books he chose. However, he experienced ​“a big breakthrough’ when he discovered a love for comic books. 

Armorers support helped him to develop a clearer understanding of what books he enjoyed, which boosted his reading confidence and kept him focused during sessions.

Fosters responsibility and independence

Armorer shared a memorable moment that demonstrates Farah’s growing sense of responsibility and love for reading: 

“He very solemnly found a bookmark and put it in his outdoor stash, so he was going to take it home to read.” 

This was a significant moment for Armorer, as it showed that Farah wanted to continue to read outside their reading sessions.

Creative approaches can keep reading fun

In Armorer’s experience, one-to-one reading support can play an important role in helping a child discover the joy of reading.

Initially, Farah struggled to concentrate and found it difficult to sit for long periods of time. To encourage him, Armorer suggested fun games as rewards after reading. 

But, as time has gone on, Farah has become more absorbed by certain books and particularly enjoys the playful elements of the sessions like negotiating which characters to voice or acting out their emotions.

Armorer explains, ​“a lot of it is about fun. It’s just about having fun”. This creative approach transformed reading from feeling like a chore into an enjoyable experience.

One-to-one support can be powerful

Armorer’s journey with Farah highlights the powerful impact one-to-one reading support can have on a child. Through consistent attention and creative engagement, volunteers like Armorer can help a child to develop a love of reading. 

As Armorer puts it, ​“it’s a tiny thing, but it’s meaningful… small steps.” These small steps, taken week by week, can help lay the foundation for a child’s lifelong success, both in school and beyond. 

*not the real name or photos of the child.