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The joy of reading with children – University of Reading hosts children's books conference – University of Reading

The University of Reading's Institute of Education is inviting local teachers and interested parents to a conference on children's books as part of National Year of Reading 2008.

Celebrating reading at Reading takes place at the University's Institute of Education on its Bulmershe campus on 5 December and will include talks from two award-winning children's books authors, Helen Cooper and Mini Grey, as well as the Director of the National Year of Reading 2008, Honor Wilson-Fletcher.

Prue Goodwin, Lecturer in Literacy Education and Children's Books at the Institute of Education, is organising the conference. She said: "I sometimes think we hear too much about testing and statistics related to learning to read. Recent research carried out by the United Kingdom Literacy Association has revealed evidence that standards rise when children are taught by teachers who are keen readers themselves – especially those who also know about good children's books.

"Children learn a great deal about the joy and value of reading from people who share an enthusiasm for books with them from the very beginning. This conference is being attended by many of the trainee teachers that are enrolled in our programmes at Reading but it is also equally relevant for any parent or teacher that shares an interest in reading with children."

There will be a chance to hear about good books to read with your children and listen to the authors behind the books, as well as find out more about the National Year of Reading 2008 and the role of reading in primary schools. There will also be a chance to buy books.

Anyone interested in hearing more about children's books are invited to attend. Further information can be obtained from: t.l.pinchbeck@reading.ac.uk / 0118 378 8838

ENDS

Further information from Alex Brannen, Media Relations Manager, University of Reading on 0118 378 7388.

Notes to editors:

Celebrating reading at Reading - Friday 5 December 2008 , 9.30-3.45 Institute of Education, Bulmershe Court, RG6 1HY

Helen Cooper is the only author to win the prestigious Greenaway Award for illustrated books two years running and Mini Grey creates outstanding picture books for discerning young readers of all ages.

The programme includes talks on:-

The impact of a National Year of Reading, Books for young readers,

Children's books and the Primary National Strategy, Word + Image = Magic, talks from the writers themselves about their books

National Year of Reading 2008

The National Year of Reading (NYR) is a year-long celebration of reading, in all its forms. It aims to increase awareness of the many values of reading – anything, anytime, anyplace – for children, families and adult learners alike. www.yearofreading.org.uk

Institute of Education, University of Reading

The University of Reading's Institute of Education is a major provider of teachers nationally and regionally, offering PGCE Secondary and Primary, BA (Ed) and the Graduate Teacher Programmes (GTP). The secondary programme and the primary programme have both received the top Ofsted grades in 2006/7 and the Institute is now a category 'A' provider for all our courses. The employment rates of our graduates are the highest in the University and the best in the country of any initial teacher training provider.

Our undergraduate courses include the unique Theatre Arts and Deaf Studies BA, nationally recognised as outstanding. The Institute has recently become a major provider for Early Years Professional status.

Areas of research strength include school improvement; inclusion and special educational needs; language assessment and measurement; historical and comparative aspects of education and science education.