New online reading resource sparks conversation between parent and child

‘My Well Read,’ has been in development for the last two years, based on the popular Reading Room Programme.

The site has specially-selected short stories chosen by the literary team and questions that relate to that story which have been written by the psychology team. The resource has been launched early, free of charge, as the world deals with the coronavirus pandemic and at a time when children may be feeling some worry and uncertainty.

Joseph Morning, Psychology Manager with Verbal Arts Centre said the site allows parents to not only enjoy quality time with their child and bond with them through reading, they can also open up conversations as they do so.

“While the parents are reading the stories and spending one-on-one time with their child, they can also talk about how that child is feeling, through what they have been reading on the story. There are hints there as well to support parents.

“We launched it early due to what has been happening and I think it’s the perfect time to have something like this in place for both parents and children, as they are at home.

“To be able to read to your child is such a lovely thing to do and this is a great way to have those conversations they might not be having, in a safe environment.”

My Well Read is aimed at children aged eight to ten, a critical stage of development and Joseph said that, by helping the child talk now about their feelings and emotions, it is also providing them with skills to do so as they grow older. The stories are constantly updated.

You can access the site and stories for free on the website www.mywellread.com and can follow it on Facebook ‘,My Wellread,’ Instagram @mywellread and Twitter: @my_wellread