The Booktrust is a charity dedicated to encouraging people of all ages and cultures to enjoy books. The website features book reviews, interviews, blogs, competitions as well as details of a wide range of projects and campaigns.
The projects inclde schemes providing free books to children. We have enjoyed the books and packs from Bookstart, and so I’m posting about this and the other schemes and websites run for children.
Bookstart is the name of the programme run by Booktrust for preschoolers, which provides book gift packs. Available from health visitors (Bookstart and Bookstart+), preschool settings (Treasure Chest) or from public libraries. The website includes guidance on reading with your child, games, an events map and downloadable activity sheets.
Bookstart pack for babies – for babies aged 0-12 months
Bookstart+ – for toddlers aged 18-30 months
My Bookstart Treasure Chest – for children aged 36-48 months
There are also two packs in Welsh, one for deaf children and one for blind/partially sighted.
Booktime is the scheme for children starting school. The website includes Booky’s World with booklists, videos and games, aswell as resources for families, teachers and librarians.
Contact to request books for those not accessing mainstream education e.g.: those who are home educated, looked after children, traveller families etc is booktime@booktrust.org.uk (Please note: reception aged children in England only).
BookedUp is the secondary age/school scheme , which aims to encourage reading for pleasure and independent choice through providing year 7 pupils (children aged 11/first year secondary) with a free book from a list of specially selected titles. The website includes book information, message boards, polls, games and resources.
Home educators can ring customer services on 0845 606 4262 to register as a coordinator for the Booked Up programme and order your child’s free book.
The LetterboxC lub focuses on improving the educational outlook for looked-after children aged 7-13 by providing them with a parcel of books, maths activities and educational materials once every month for six months. Â
Other Booktrust websites and projects aimed at children:
Booktrust Children’s Books – Website of information and resources about children’s and teenage books. With book reviews, booklists, author interviews, competitions and illustrator’s galleries. Featuring picture books and teenage books.
Bookmark for information, books or advice relating to disability and children’s books.
Children’s Book Week – Resources for Children’s Book Week; an annual celebration of reading for pleasure for children of primary school age.
Children’s Laureate – Reosurces and information about the Children’s Laureate.
Everybody Writes – Everybody Writes is a resource that offers classroom teachers and education professionals innovative ideas and practical resources to get primary pupils and secondary students excited about writing.
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