Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Reading aloud in class 'does children no good'

Richard Garner
Monday 07 January 2013 20:42 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Children should be taught to read by acting out plays to make the process enjoyable, the Children's Laureate has suggested.

Julia Donaldson said reading aloud in class is too "wooden" to interest today's children in books, and that it makes them feel like they are being tested.

Donaldson, who wrote The Gruffalo said that during school visits, she takes groups of six pupils aside and gives them the chance to swap characters, before finally casting the "play" to be read to the rest of the class. "It can develop children's reading" as well as build confidence, Mrs Donaldson said.

Today, she launches a new series of short plays written for schools, featuring work by authors such as Vivian French, Alison Hawes, Steve Skidmore and Steve Barlow.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in